A test to comprehensively capture the known genetic component of familial pulmonary fibrosis
The study aimed to develop a laboratory-developed test (LDT) based on standard Sanger sequencing to capture all known familial pulmonary fibrosis-associated variants. The new genetic test was evaluated in 62 sporadic cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It was found that the MUC5B promoter variant rs35705950 was strongly enriched in these patients, with a minor allele frequency of 41.1%, compared with 10.6% in a matched population-based cohort from CARTaGENE.
Psychosocial factors, health behaviors and risk of cancer incidence: Testing interaction and effect modification in an individual participant data meta-analysis
Researchers determined whether psychosocial factors interact with or modify the effects of health behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol use, in relation to cancer incidence. Data were used from 22 cohorts, including the Ontario Health Study, Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health, and CARTaGENE. After exploring 744 combinations of psychosocial factors, the researchers found no evidence that psychosocial factors interacted with or modified health behaviors related to cancer incidence.
Ultra-processed foods consumption, depression, and the risk of diabetes complications in the CARTaGENE project: a prospective cohort study in Quebec, Canada
Researchers examined the association between depression, ultra-processed food consumption (UPFs), and the risk of developing diabetes-specific complications in adults with type 2 diabetes. Data from participants enrolled in CARTaGENE were used. Over 7 years, 105 individuals developed diabetes-related complications. Participants with high depressive symptoms and high levels of UPF consumption had a higher risk of diabetes complications compared to those without depressive symptoms and low levels of UPFs in their diet. When high depressive symptoms and antidepressant use were combined with high UPF consumption, the risk of diabetes complications was higher.
Factors associated with change in moderate or severe symptoms of anxiety and depression in community-living adults and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers explored changes in moderate or severe symptoms of anxiety or depression (MSSANXDEP) from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, and examined associated sociodemographic, economic, psychosocial, health behavior and lifestyle, and clinical factors. Data from 59,997 participants from the five established cohorts of the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (CanPath) were used. Analyses indicated that certain sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, health behavior, psychosocial, and clinical factors were associated with remitted, incident, and persistent MSSANXDEP.
Plant-based dietary patterns and genetic susceptibility to obesity in the CARTaGENE cohort
Researchers explored whether adherence to three plant-based dietary indices (PDIs) mediated or moderated genetic susceptibility to obesity. The study included 7,037 adults from the CARTaGENE cohort. Obesity outcomes were found to be significantly associated with overall- and healthy-PDIs and polygenic risk scores (PRSs). Adherence to PDIs neither mediated nor moderated genetic susceptibility to obesity. Higher levels of meat consumption were positively associated with obesity, while increased levels of whole grain intake were negatively associated with obesity outcomes.
The influence of smoking and occupational risk factors on DNA methylation in the AHRR and F2RL3 genes
The researchers aimed to determine the association between smoking, occupational exposures, and AHRR and F2RL3 methylation, as AHRR and F2RL3 hypomethylation has been associated with lung cancer. A case-control study was implemented with CARTaGENE participants to outline the relationship between AHRR and F2RL3 methylation and lung cancer risk. It was found that in both the AHRR and F2RL3 genes, smoking was associated with lower levels of methylation. The data indicates that smoking and occupational exposures to some agents are associated with AHRR and F2RL3 hypomethylation.
Subclinical primary aldosteronism and cardiovascular health: a population-based cohort study
This study explores the impact of subclinical primary aldosteronism, a less recognized form of hypertension characterized by renin-independent aldosterone production, on cardiovascular health. With data from 1284 CARTaGENE participants, researchers found that a higher aldosterone-to-renin ratio, indicative of this condition, was associated with increased arterial stiffness, adverse cardiac remodeling, and higher odds of developing hypertension, independent of traditional blood pressure measures.
The role of ultra-processed food consumption and depression on type 2 diabetes incidence: a prospective community study in Quebec, Canada
Researchers explored the link between depression and consumption of highly processed foods as potential risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Using CARTaGENE data, findings suggest that individuals with high depressive symptoms and high consumption of ultra-processed foods had the highest risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Relationship between diet quality and antihypertensive medication intensity among adults with metabolic syndrome-associated high blood pressure
This study aimed to investigate whether there’s a relationship between diet quality and the intensity of medication used to manage high blood pressure in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Using data from 915 CARTaGENE participants with MetS-associated high blood pressure, of whom 677 were using blood pressure-lowering medication, researchers found that, overall, there wasn’t a clear link between diet quality and medication intensity. However, in younger individuals and those with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, better diet quality was associated with lower medication intensity.
Relationship between diet quality and statin use among adults with metabolic syndrome from the CARTaGENE cohort.
This study investigated how the use of statins, a type of cholesterol-lowering medication, impacts diet quality in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) who are free of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Using data from 2481 CARTaGENE participants, researchers revealed that adults using statins tended to have slightly lower diet quality, particularly characterized by reduced consumption of vegetables and whole grains. This effect was more pronounced in older individuals and those with lower incomes or a history of high blood pressure.