Research project in EpiHealth

Milk and sour milk effects on inflammation and oxidative stress, proteins, metabolites and intestinal flora.
Responsible researcher: Erika Olsson, erika [dot] olsson [at] surgsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

Contrary to the general perception that milk gives strong bones, we were recently able to show that women who drink a lot of milk have a higher risk of fracture while a high intake of sour milk and yoghurt was associated with a lower risk of fracture. One possible explanation for the different results between dairy products are their different effects on inflammation and oxidative stress, which are both suggested to be involved in many age-related diseases. In a randomized study with cross-over design, we will evaluate how a high intake of milk compared to a high intake of sour milk affects inflammation and oxidative stress.

Significance of sleeping times and sleep habits for obesity. A study of relationships and underlying mechanisms in a population-based cohort.
Responsible researcher: Jenny Theorell-Haglöw, jenny [dot] theorell-haglow [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

The incidence of sleeping problems is increasing in Sweden. Studies have previously shown that various aspects of sleep are associated with obesity and cardiovascular disease. It is also known that both sleep duration and sleep disorders affect metabolism and can also increase the risk of developing certain diseases. The reason for this is unknown. We now want to investigate what connections there are between sleep time, circadian rhythm type, sleep disorders and the choice of diet. Furthermore, we also want to investigate whether sleep duration and sleep disorders affect proteins and other substances in the blood that are known to be related to metabolism.

Find threatening heart attacks (MIMI - Markers of Imminent Myocardial Infarction)
Responsible Researcher: Johan Sundström, johan [dot] sundstrom [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

Myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in the world and preventive strategies today have low precision and limited compliance. Our hypothesis is that several different dynamic biological processes are active in the months leading up to a heart attack, and that biomarkers for these processes are identifiable during that time. The MIMI study will use a design to identify risk factors that act in the short term, which is likely to help patients and physicians who receive information that the risk of a heart attack has increased to be able to receive more intensive prevention strategies in the near future. This is a collaborative project where data from EpiHealth will be analyzed together with data from other similar European cohorts.

PHYSIC A blood pressure study
Responsible Researcher: Johan Sundström, johan [dot] sundstrom [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University
Protein profile in risk factors for cardiovascular disease

We plan to interview men and women aged 40-75 who have participated in EpiHealth and have slightly elevated blood pressure and are either without or only have a blood pressure lowering medication. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether a blood test can determine which blood pressure medication that would be suitable for a particular patient. For each participant, the study lasts between 47-59 weeks. Participants are provided with four different types of blood pressure medication during the study period.

Water to improve metabolism
Responsible Researcher: Olle Melander, olle [dot] melander [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se, Lund University

High plasma concentrations of the water-regulating hormone vasopressin are associated with an increased risk of diabetes and at the same time indicate a low water intake. In the current study, we want to measure vasopressin in plasma samples from participants in EpiHealth to invite the participants who have high levels of vasopressin to a study where we test whether 12 months of increased water intake (1.5L per day) protects against diabetes by lowering the vasopressin concentration.

Changes in proteins
Responsible researcher: Lars Lind, lars [dot] lind [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

Changes in proteins are behind most of our common diseases. We have previously found new proteins that are linked to atherosclerosis and stroke. We now want to investigate what the protein profile looks like in individuals who have common risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, blood fat disorders, obesity, smoking, diabetes and more.

Rye-weight study
Responsible Researcher: Rickard Landberg, rikard [dot] landberg [at] slu [dot] se, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Epidemiological studies have shown a link between whole grain intake and body weight, but there are no long-term controlled studies that confirm this and where the underlying mechanisms have been investigated. We plan to recruit men and women aged 30-70 who have participated in EpiHealth and who have a BMI of 27-35 kg / m2 to participate in a 14-week diet study. The purpose of the study is to investigate if the effect of rye instead of white wheat may have positive effects on body weight and body fat. We also want to investigate whether any effect can be explained by reduced hunger and increased feeling of satiety after consuming rye. In addition, the effect on various risk factors for type 2 diabetes and heart disease is investigated.

Can metabolic factors detect stroke (cerebral infarction)?
Responsible Researcher Lars Lind, lars [dot] lind [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

Apart from high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation, there are no strong risk factors for stroke. This research project, which is carried out in collaboration with 6 other European studies, aims to investigate whether a detailed analysis of substances included in the metabolism can predict who will have a stroke. We will then use already collected data and blood. The study will, via registers of hospital care and the cause of death register, see who has been included in the EpiHealth study and had a stroke.

Lifestyle and high blood pressure - effects of age
Responsible Researcher Lars Lind, lars [dot] lind [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

It is well known that certain lifestyle factors such as obesity, exercise, stress, salt intake, etc. are linked to high blood pressure. However, it is likely that high blood pressure that develops when you are younger does not have the same underlying factors as if you get high blood pressure when you are older. We now plan to combine data from the EpiHealth study and the LifeGene study so that we get data on lifestyle factors and blood pressure from the age of 20 to 75 in order to investigate how lifestyle factors relate to high blood pressure at different ages.

What factors affect the quality of life in asthma?
Responsible Researcher Eva Lindberg, eva [dot] lindberg [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

When investigating lung diseases, a lung function examination is included and the result is often decisive in making the correct diagnosis. The patient's lung function is then compared with normal values ​​produced from healthy individuals, where age, gender and height are adjusted. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how other diseases, lifestyle factors and weight affect lung function and in this study this will be examined from data that is collected from EpiHealth.

Diet, physical activity, proteomics and fractures in the EpiHealth cohort
Responsible researcher Karl Michaëlsson, karl [dot] michaelsson [at] surgsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

The overall aim of this project is to understand how different dietary patterns and physical activity can be related to plasma markers for oxidative stress and inflammation and what connection there is between these lifestyle patterns and future fracture risk.

Sleep and sleep apnea - polysomnography study in men
Responsible researcher Eva Lindberg, eva [dot] lindberg [at] medsci [dot] uu., Uppsala University

We plan to ask some men who have participated in EpiHealth to participate in a sleep study measuring sleep quality and breathing during sleep at night (polysomnography). The purpose of the study is to investigate how perceived sleep quality corresponds with the variables on sleep (sleep depth, amount of dream sleep, total sleep time, etc.) that can be measured during the night. At the same time, the presence of respiratory disorders during sleep will also be studied.

Loss of the male sex chromosome (chromosome Y) in men and its role in the development of cancer and Alzheimer's disease; a study based on the EpiHealth cohort.
Responsible researcher Jan Dumanski, jan [dot] dumanski [at] igp [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

We have found that the loss of chromosome Y in normal blood cells in men can significantly increase the risk of various types of cancer and Alzheimer's disease. The overall goal of our project is further studies of new, independent cohorts to evaluate and develop the possibilities of using LOY as a biomarker to assess the risk of cancer or Alzheimer's disease in all middle-aged and aging men.

Impact of lifestyle and genetics on mental health
Responsible researcher Helgi Schiöth, Helgi [dot] Schioth [at] neuro [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

We have previously shown associations between several lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, smoking and genes which may be linked to the cognitive function of the elderly population in the PIVUS and ULSAM cohorts. The purpose of this study is to investigate how these factors and obesity related genes can affect mental health. A particular interest is to investigate how these factors can interact.

Effects of lignan-rich diet on risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease - ELIN study
Responsible researcher: Rikard Landberg, rikard [dot] landberg [at] slu [dot] se, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Epidemiological studies have clearly shown that a high consumption of high-fiber whole grain products reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. However, it is unclear whether different cereals provide the same protection and what the underlying mechanisms are. We plan to invite men aged 40-75 who have participated in EpiHealth and who have a BMI> 25 kg / m2, and waist measurements> 102 cm to participate in a diet study. The purpose of the study is to investigate how lignan-rich foods based on whole grains (as well as capsules with lignans) compared to foods with a lower lignan content based on whole grains affect risk factors for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The risk factors include glucose tolerance (primary), blood lipids (secondary) and inflammation markers (secondary). The aim is also to investigate in detail the conversion of lignans to so-called enterolignans formed by microbiotan in the intestine. The study is a collaboration between SLU, the Danish Cancer Institute and Uppsala University.

Prognostic value of plasma protein markers in patients with acute leukemia and malignant lymphoma
Responsible researcher: Martin Höglund, martin [dot] hoglund [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

The pattern of certain proteins in the blood may predict how patients with acute leukemia or malignant lymphoma respond to treatment. To study this, we will use new advanced immunological technology to analyze blood samples from approximately 180 patients with acute leukemia or malignant lymphoma. In order to be able to correctly evaluate the results, we also need to measure these proteins in blood samples from healthy subjects.

What factors affect the quality of life in asthma?
Responsible researcher: Leif Bjermer, leif [dot] bjermer [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se, Lund University

Previous studies have shown that there are a number of factors other than lung function that can affect the quality of life in asthma. With data obtained from Epi-Health, we will in this study analyze how various factors, with a focus on respiratory symptoms, obesity and sleep disorders, affect quality of life in asthma.

Liver fat (EFFECT 2)
Responsible researcher: Lars Lind, lars [dot] lind [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

In collaboration with AstraZeneca we plan to test whether a new blood lipid-lowering drug reduces the fat content in the liver. We therefore plan to examine individuals, who have participated in EpiHealth and have a BMI> / = 25, with magnetic resonance imaging to see if there is an increased amount of fat in the liver. If there is an increased amount of fat (> 5.5%), these individuals are offered to participate in a 3-month drug study.

Associations between shift work and impaired sleep quality with effect on cognitive ability, emotional well-being and cardiometabolic health.
Responsible researcher: Christian Benedict, christian [dot] benedict [at] neuro [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

Many studies have shown that sleep deprivation has a negative effect on human health and cognitive ability. Improperly adjusted sleep (e.g. when you sleep at the wrong time) and sleep disorders in connection with shift work affect a large proportion of people living in our modern societies. However, our understanding of how shift work affects cognitive ability and well-being is currently limited and there are only a few epidemiological studies that have systematically examined how shift work links to mental and cardiometabolic health in humans.

Impact of obesity-related genes on metabolism and / or lifestyle.
Responsible researcher: Helgi Schiöth, helgi [dot] schioth [at] neuro [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

In this project, we will study how genetic changes can be linked to obesity and its related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and various cancers. We thus want to investigate the link between genetic changes and a person's specific lifestyle in order to find out how and if genetic changes can increase the individual risk of obesity. If you do not want your study data to be used in this specific study, you can contact your test center.

Common and unusual genetic variation in relation to cardiovascular disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes
Responsible researcher: Erik Ingelsson, erik [dot] ingelsson [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and morbidity in Sweden and in the world. Apart from consequences for the individual, cardiovascular disease is also associated with large financial costs; just over 60% of the total healthcare budget in the EU. Cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes are multifactorial, and are caused by a combination of genes and environment as well as intermediate conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, high blood fats and high blood pressure. In this project, we want to study how genetic variation is linked to cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and related conditions, such as blood fats, blood pressure, blood sugar and body composition. We also plan to study how genetic variation is linked to the body's metabolism of small molecules in the blood, so-called metabolites, and how lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, tobacco use are involved in the connections. This study involves detailed genetic analyzes and that we collect data from several health registries about cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and their risk factors.

Dangerous or harmless obesity
Responsible researcher Lars Lind, lars [dot] lind [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

Obesity is increasing in Sweden. It has been suggested that obesity without disturbances in blood sugar, blood pressure and blood fats is not dangerous. We now want to study how common these are in different age and gender groups, what lifestyle factors and genes may be behind the fact that certain obese and overweight people do not get other disorders, and what the consequences will be for cardiovascular disease in the future. We also want to study how physical activity is linked to this.

The role of genetic variation in HDL and triglyceride-related genes for lipid metabolism and related mechanisms
Responsible researcher Erik Ingelsson, erik [dot] ingelsson [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

The main question is to investigate whether and how unusual genetic variation in regions that have been linked to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; "the good cholesterol") and triglycerides affect the body's response to a lipid load. Disorders of lipid metabolism are one of the biggest public health problems of our time, and are expected to increase further given the increasing levels of overweight and obesity in the population. Especially in light of the global problems with energy-dense diets, less exercise and increasing obesity, studies aimed at understanding the individual responses to high-fat diets and the role of dyslipidemia in health are of paramount importance.

Foods for low-grade inflammation in the elderly
Responsible researcher Bengt Jeppsson, bengt [dot] jeppsson [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se, Lund University

Can low-grade inflammation be a risk factor for many medical conditions? Increasing age seems to be accompanied by a low-grade inflammation. Inflammation is generated in part by an overgrowth of intestinal bacteria with proinflammatory activity (E.coli et al gramneg) and inflammation can be reduced by adding probiotics and this effect can possibly be enhanced with simultaneous supply of berry fiber. In a treatment study of a total of 80 people in Malmö, the supply of probiotics with or without berry fiber should be compared with a control group without a bacterial supply (placebo). The treatment should continue for six weeks. A sample of people in EpiHealth will be asked to participate in the study.

EpiHealth and gastrointestinal disease
Responsible researcher Bodil Ohlsson, bodil [dot] ohlsson [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se, Lund University

We will identify people in EpiHealth with different types of gastrointestinal diseases in the study. By comparing dietary intake, other lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, exercise), other morbidity and the cognitive function test, variations between those who have contracted various gastrointestinal diseases and those who do not have these diseases should be studied. To investigate whether the composition of the diet affects the risk of falling ill, we want to examine the diet as a whole, including the intake of fats, fruits and vegetables, and the intake of food products rich in added sugar (confectionery, pastries and soft drinks).

Characterization of prediabetes / diabetes with PET-MR examinations
Responsible researcher Lars Lind, lars [dot] lind [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

We plan to ask individuals who have been in EpiHealth who either have normal blood sugar, pre-diabetes or diabetes to use a new technology to evaluate sugar and fat metabolism in various tissues in the body, so-called combined position emission tomography (PET) and magnetic camera. The study also includes, among other things, that we examine insulin release and the tissues' ability to assimilate insulin.

Liver fat
Responsible researcher Lars Lind, lars [dot] lind [at] medsci [dot] uu [dot] se, Uppsala University

We plan to test in collaboration with AstraZeneca whether a new blood lipid-lowering drug reduces the fat content in the liver. We therefore plan to examine individuals who have been in EpiHealth with diabetes with magnetic resonance imaging to see if there is an increased amount of fat in the liver. If there is an increased amount of fat, these individuals are offered to participate in a 3-month drug study.