Study Background

The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels. The cells in this lining help regulate blood flow and immune system function. Problems with endothelial cells can contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Certain genes or parts of genes may be related to problems with endothelial function. Researchers want to study healthy adults who have genes that may affect their endothelial function. More information on these genes may provide more information on genetic risk for certain diseases.

Participants will have a single study visit that will take place at the NIEHS Clinical Research Unit (CRU) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and volunteers will be compensated for their time.

Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. Blood and urine samples will be collected. Participants will have an ultrasound of the artery in the arm and will be given a short-acting medication called nitroglycerin to study blood flow and blood pressure.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Ages Eligible for Study: 18–70 years
  • Genders Eligible for Study: All
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
  • Participant of the Environmental Polymorphisms Registry and current contact information available
  • Genotype information available for relevant CYP2J2 and EPHX2 polymorphisms, which indicates:
    • WT for EPHX2 K55R and WT for CYP2J2 7
    • WT for EPHX2 K55R and heterozygous for CYP2J2 7
    • WT for CYP2J2 7 and heterozygous for EPHX2 K55R (N=30)
    • WT for CYP2J2 7 and homozygous for EPHX2 K55R (N=30)
  • Willing and able to provide informed consent
  • Able to comply with all protocol procedures

Principal Investigator

Darryl C. Zeldin, M.D.
Darryl C. Zeldin, M.D.
Scientific Director and Principal Investigator
Tel 984-287-3641
[email protected]
NIH Intramural ProfileDarryl C. Zeldin, M.D.
P.O. Box 12233
Mail Drop A2-05
Durham, NC 27709