# CHD Risk and Metabolomic Profiles of Discordant Lipids

> **NIH NIH K01** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 2020 · $178,200

## Abstract

Project Number: Contact PI / Project Leader: DEMLER, OLGA
Title: CHD RISK AND METABOLOMIC PROFILES OF DISCORDANT LIPIDS
Awardee Organization: BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
Abstract Text:
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant):
The primary objective of this proposal is to create a multidisciplinary research and training environment that will
provide the candidate, Dr. Olga Demler, with knowledge and experience necessary to launch a successful
career as an independent researcher in the statistical analysis of metabolomics data with the focus on
lipidomics and cardiovascular outcomes. The training program builds upon the candidate's background in
methodological research in biostatistics and risk prediction modelling and is focused on learning lipidomics and
advanced statistical techniques that are used in targeted, untargeted and network pathway analyses of
metabolomics data. This application is supported by a team of established mentors and by a strong institutional
commitment of a leading research hospital which is part of a network of Boston-area universities and
institutions with abundant opportunities to learn about cutting edge medical research, and to build cross-
disciplinary collaborations. The research goal of this proposal is to define lipid profiles that best predict the risk
of coronary heart disease (CHD) and to characterize their metabolomic signatures. Low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) particles are a causal biomarker in the development of atherosclerosis and CHD. Yet recent studies
reported that there is residual lipid-related risk information beyond standard lipid biomarkers. Dr. Demler will
extend the standard lipid panel and use additional lipid parameters such as non-high density lipoprotein
cholesterol, apolipoprotein B (apoB), and LDL particle concentration, among others. Of special interest are the
individuals with discordant combinations of LDL-C and apoB (e.g. low LDL-C, but higher than expected apoB),
a group that has substantially higher CHD risk than those with concordant combination of the two parameters
even after controlling for LDL-C level and standard risk factors. First, in the Women's Health Study, Dr. Demler
will find the most informative combinations of lipid parameters and discordant lipids that best predict CHD
events. She will validate these findings in a more demographically diverse VITAL cohort. Second, Dr. Demler
will characterize the metabolomic profiles of lipids and lipid combinations including discordant lipids associated
with CHD in the VITAL metabolomic sub-study, using state-of-the-art statistical techniques in untargeted, and
network metabolomic analyses. This project leverages the candidate's strong background in risk prediction and
combines an outstanding research and training environment with already collected CHD outcomes, lipid
measurements, and large-scale metabolomics data, providing a unique opportunity to the candidate to gain
skills and experience necessary for her career as an independent resear...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9838814
- **Project number:** 5K01HL135342-04
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Olga Demler
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $178,200
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-12-15 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9838814

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9838814, CHD Risk and Metabolomic Profiles of Discordant Lipids (5K01HL135342-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9838814. Licensed CC0.

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