The Molecular links using Gut Microbiota and Plasma Metabolomic Biomarkers in understanding Alcohol intake associated Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Alcohol is a known cardiac toxin and heavy consumption can lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD), however, the details underlying the relationship of alcohol intake, atherosclerosis and CVD risk remain unclear.

Alcohol intake can lead to changes in the gut microbiota composition and underlying metabolomic biomarkers, even before atherosclerosis disease development.

I aim to identify fundamental biological mechanisms through which alcohol intake is linked to atherosclerosis and risk of CVD. Specifically, Is alcohol intake associated with gut microbial composition?

We will analyze the association of alcohol intake with gut microbiota (N=17,500).Is the alcohol intake associated with circulating metabolome?

We will analyze the association of alcohol intake with plasma metabolites (N=22,500).Is the alcohol-related increased atherosclerosis risk mediated through microbial and metabolomic biomarkers?

By employing Mendelian randomization, mediation and gene × environment interaction, we will identify the causal connections between alcohol-associated microbiota and metabolomic biomarkers with the risk of atherosclerosis.Taking advantage of a unique resource, one of the world’s largest epidemiological omics datasets, I will combine extensive dietary alcohol intake information, non-targeted metabolomics, genotype data and shotgun metagenomic sequencing of gut flora to identify novel targets for early interventions against atherosclerosis and CVD risk.