AMBITYON STUDY: the relation between inflammation cells, immune system cells and the development of arteriosclerosis: a study with MRI in young adults.

Rationale: the relevance of the proposed study lies in clarification of the interrelationship between biomarkers and the presence and (accelerated) progression of atherosclerosis shown with MR Imaging in young adults in order to identify individuals at highest risk of developing clinically manifest atherosclerosis

Objective: the overall objective of this project is to assess the interplay between classical risk factors, plasma markers, markers of activated circulating cells and atherosclerosis burden at MR imaging (expressed as aortic vessel wall thickness and presence of plaques) in the development of atherosclerosis in young adulthood to further elucidate key drivers of clinically manifest atherosclerosis later in life
Study design: a prospective, single center cohort study

Study population: The study population consists of 520 cardiovascular healthy participants between 25-35 years of age drawn from the region of Leidsche Rijn, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Main study parameters/endpoints: the main study endpoints are twofold:

(1) the levels of markers of circulating cells that predict (a) presence and (b) rate of change in atherosclerosis (visualized with MR Imaging) over time in young adulthood to identify individuals at high risk to develop advanced atherosclerosis over classical cardiovascular risk factors;

(2) aortic wall thickness and presence of aortic plaques found at MR imaging of the thoracic and abdominal aorta

the relevance of the proposed study lies in clarification of the interrelationship between biomarkers and the presence and (accelerated) progression of atherosclerosis shown with MR Imaging in young adults in order to identify individuals at highest risk of developing clinically manifest atherosclerosis.

baseline measurements: completed after 15 months
measurements repeated 3 years after baseline measurements: completed after 51 months

Questionnaire: to obtain information regarding age, gender, race, medical history, medication use and lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary intake and social economic status),
Physical examination: measurements of height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure

Blood sampling: obtained for biochemical analysis including plasma glucose and lipid profile and obtained for biomarker measurements

MR Imaging (with use of gadolinium contrast agent): imaging of thoracic and abdominal aorta, left ventricle function, pulse wave velocity