Genetics, physical activity, and obesity-hypertension in young children

The objective of this study is to examine the longitudinal development of the adiposity and BP phenotypes in young children taking into account physical activity and the angiotensinogen converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism.  We chose to study ACE polymorphisms since it is a positional candidate gene that may have pleiotropic effects on adiposity and BP.  In the context of human growth, it has been suggested that a master gene has pleiotropic control over somatic growth, obesity and BP.   Given the potential roles of adiposity, physical activity and genes and their interactions on the etiology of the hypertension during early life, it is critical that we increase our understanding of the genesis of obesity and hypertension and develop appropriate prevention and treatment strategies. 

Funded by the American Heart Association. 

Collaborators: Dr. Kate Heelan, University of Nebraska-Kearney; Dr. Greg Welk, Iowa State University; Dr. Max Rothschild, Iowa State University; Dr. Adam Baxter-Jones, University of Saskatchewan.