Yi-Ju Chen

Bio: Yi-Ju Chen is an academic researcher from University of Maryland, Baltimore. The author has contributed to research in topics: Genome-wide association study & Aortic dissection. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 4 publications receiving 15 citations.

Baseline cardiometabolic profiles and SARS-CoV-2 infection in the UK Biobank.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 is a rapidly spreading coronavirus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic, which is characterized by severe respiratory infection. Many factors have been identified as risk factors for SARS-CoV-2, with much early attention being paid to body mass index (BMI), which is a well-known cardiometabolic risk factor. OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to examine the impact of additional baseline cardiometabolic risk factors including high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), triglycerides, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and diabetes on the odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in UK Biobank (UKB) study participants. METHODS: We examined the effect of BMI, lipid profiles, diabetes and alcohol intake on the odds of testing positive for SARS-Cov-2 among 9,005 UKB participants tested for SARS-CoV-2 from March 16 through July 14, 2020. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed using logistic regression adjusted for age, sex and ancestry. RESULTS: Higher BMI, Type II diabetes and HbA1c were associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 odds (p < 0.05) while HDL-C and ApoA-I were associated with decreased odds (p < 0.001). Though the effect of BMI, Type II diabetes and HbA1c were eliminated when HDL-C was controlled, the effect of HDL-C remained significant when BMI was controlled for. LDL-C, ApoB and triglyceride levels were not found to be significantly associated with increased odds. CONCLUSION: Elevated HDL-C and ApoA-I levels were associated with reduced odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, while higher BMI, type II diabetes and HbA1c were associated with increased odds. The effects of BMI, type II diabetes and HbA1c levels were no longer significant after controlling for HDL-C, suggesting that these effects may be mediated in part through regulation of HDL-C levels. In summary, our study suggests that baseline HDL-C level may be useful for stratifying SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and corroborates the emerging picture that HDL-C may confer protection against sepsis in general and SARS-CoV-2 in particular.

Baseline Cardiometabolic Profiles and SARS-CoV-2 Risk in the UK Biobank

Abstract: Background SARS-CoV-2 is a rapidly spreading coronavirus with a high incidence of severe upper respiratory infection that first presented in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Many factors have been identified as risk factors for SARS-CoV-2, with much attention being paid to body mass index (BMI), but little investigation has been done to investigate dysregulation of lipid profiles and diabetes, which are often comorbid in high BMI patients. Objective This study seeks to describe the impact of BMI, HDL, LDL, ApoA, ApoB, triglycerides, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), diabetes, alcohol and red wine intake on SARS-CoV-2 risk in UK Biobank (UKB) study participants. Methods We examined the effect of BMI, lipid profiles, diabetes and alcohol intake on the risk of testing positive for SARS-Cov-2 among 9,005 UKB participants tested for SARS-CoV-2 from March 16 through June 29, 2020. Logistic regression was performed on the target variables controlling for age, sex and ancestry. Results BMI, Type II diabetes and HbA1c were associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 risk (p Conclusion Elevated HDL and ApoA levels and alcohol intake, specifically red wine intake, were associated with reduced risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, while type II diabetes and HbA1c were associated with increased risk. The effects of alcohol, type II diabetes and HbA1c levels may be indirect, mediated in part through regulation of HDL levels. In summary, our study corroborates the emerging picture that high HDL levels may confer protection against SARS-CoV-2. Highlights Increases in HDL is associated with reduced risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Type II diabetes and hemoglobin A1C levels were associated with elevated risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, but this effect was abrogated when controlling for HDL. Alcohol intake, specifically red wine intake, is associated with reduced risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, though this effect may in part be moderated by HDL. LDL and Triglycerides were not associated with increased risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Identification of novel genetic susceptibility loci for thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms via genome-wide association study using the UK Biobank Cohort.

Abstract: Background Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are known to have a strong genetic component. Methods and results In a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using the UK Biobank, we analyzed the genomes of 1,363 individuals with AAA compared to 27,260 age, ancestry, and sex-matched controls (1:20 case:control study design). A similar analysis was repeated for 435 individuals with TAA compared to 8,700 controls. Polymorphism with minor allele frequency (MAF) >0.5% were evaluated. We identified novel loci near LINC01021, ATOH8 and JAK2 genes that achieved genome-wide significance for AAA (p-value <5x10-8), in addition to three known loci. For TAA, three novel loci in CTNNA3, FRMD6 and MBP achieved genome-wide significance. There was no overlap in the genes associated with AAAs and TAAs. Additionally, we identified a linkage group of high-frequency variants (MAFs ~10%) encompassing FBN1, the causal gene for Marfan syndrome, which was associated with TAA. In FinnGen PheWeb, this FBN1 haplotype was associated with aortic dissection. Finally, we found that baseline bradycardia was associated with TAA, but not AAA. Conclusions Our GWAS found that AAA and TAA were associated with distinct sets of genes, suggesting distinct underlying genetic architecture. We also found association between baseline bradycardia and TAA. These findings, including JAK2 association, offer plausible mechanistic and therapeutic insights. We also found a common FBN1 linkage group that is associated with TAA and aortic dissection in patients who do not have Marfan syndrome. These FBN1 variants suggest shared pathophysiology between Marfan disease and sporadic TAA.

Identification of Novel Genetic Susceptibility Loci for Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Via Genome-Wide Association Study Using the UK Biobank Cohort

Abstract: BackgroundThoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are known to have a strong genetic component Methods and ResultsIn a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using the UK Biobank, we analyzed the genomes of 1,363 individuals with AAA compared to 27,260 age, ancestry, and sex-matched controls (1:20 case:control study design) A similar analysis was repeated for 435 individuals with TAA compared to 8,700 controls Polymorphism with minor allele frequency (MAF) >05% were evaluated We identified novel loci near LINC01021, ATOH8 and JAK2 genes that achieved genome-wide significance for AAA (p-value <5x10-8), in addition to three known loci For TAA, three novel loci in CTNNA3, FRMD6 and MBP achieved genome-wide significance There was no overlap in the genes associated with AAAs and TAAs Additionally, we identified a linkage group of high-frequency variants (MAFs [~]10%) encompassing FBN1, the causal gene for Marfan syndrome, which was associated with TAA In Finngen PheWeb, this FBN1 haplotype was associated with aortic dissection Finally, we found that baseline bradycardia was associated with TAA, but not AAA ConclusionsOur GWAS found that AAA and TAA were associated with distinct sets of genes, suggesting distinct underlying genetic architecture We also found association between baseline bradycardia and TAA These findings, including JAK2 association, offer plausible mechanistic and therapeutic insights We also found a common FBN1 linkage group that is associated with TAA and aortic dissection in patients who do not have Marfan syndrome These FBN1 variants suggest shared pathophysiology between Marfan disease and sporadic TAA Condensed AbstractIn genome-wide association study (GWAS) of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using UK Biobank database, we found 3 novel loci associated with TAA, and 3 novel loci associated AAA We also found significant association between baseline bradycardia and TAA These findings, including JAK2 association, offer plausible mechanistic and therapeutic insights Additionally, we identified a common FBN1 linkage group associated with TAA in patients who do not have Marfan syndrome In the FinnGen cohort, this haplotype is associated with aortic dissection These results suggest a shared pathophysiology between Marfan disease and sporadic TAA Study LimitationsAs with any GWAS study, the discovery of novel loci associated with aortopathies does not prove functional causality, and the findings described herein needs to be validated by analysis of other databases, ideally in a patient population of more diverse genetic origins than the UK Biobank The use of the ICD10 codes to classify disease carriers and noncarriers in a population cohort may not be the most accurate assessment of prevalence of aortopathies The association between baseline bradycardia and TAA does not take into account the concurrent use of medications that may impact heart rate HighlightsO_LIIdentification of 3 novel AAA-associated loci near LINC01021, ATOH8 and JAK2 genes C_LIO_LIIdentification of 3 novel TAA-associated loci near CTNNA3, FRMD6 and MBP genes C_LIO_LIIdentification of a linkage group of common FBN1 variants associated with non-syndromic TAA in the UK Biobank and with aortic dissection in the FinnGen cohort, strengthening the evidence for a shared pathophysiology between Marfan disease and nonsyndromic aortopathy C_LIO_LIAssociation between baseline bradycardia and TAA but not AAA C_LI

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

Abstract: The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2022 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population and an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, and the global burden of cardiovascular disease and healthy life expectancy.Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

Abstract: Aim: The “2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease” provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate. Structure: Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

Metabolic Syndrome and COVID-19.

Abstract: Recent studies showed that comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity contribute to severe and worse outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), suggesting that metabolic syndrome and its components are associated with severity of COVID-19. Here, I systematically reviewed a possible association of metabolic syndrome with the susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and severity of COVID-19 by literature search. A population-based study and UK Biobank studies showed that patients with metabolic syndrome is highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recent meta-analyses showed that metabolic syndrome is significantly associated with the development of severe COVID-19. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is the cellular entry receptor of SARS-CoV-2. Enhanced ACE2 expression, pre-existing endothelial dysfunction and procoagulant state induced by adipocytokines dysregulation in metabolic syndrome may play a crucial role for the development of severe COVID-19.