Research in progress: We are completing the first multi-center genome-scan for calcified coronary and aortic plaque as part of NHLBI’s Family Heart Study, a second genome-wide scan for calcified plaque in the coronary, carotid and aortic arteries as part of the Diabetes Heart Studies is currently being analyzed and we are finalizing the genetic analysis for our project on the genetic architecture underlying the relation between bone mineral Density and calcified plaque. As principal investigator of the Women’s Health Initiative CT Reading Center we are nearing completion of the 1000 CT exams from 30 sites across the U.S. from a randomized placebo controlled clinical trial that will help us determine the role of hormone replacement therapy on subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. In addition, we have completed – 600 out of 3,000 of the year 20 cardiac CT exams for NHLBI’s CARDIA study which will allow us to better understand what factors related to early adulthood which promotes coronary artery disease. In collaboration with Dr. L. Rudel, we are completing two clinical trials in non-human primates looking at the efficacy of two experimental agents on the regression of atherosclerosis using intravascular ultrasound and sub millimeter cardiac CT. |