This project will investigate whether increased bone turnover explains the link between CVD and osteoporosis:-

(i) we will confirm that carotid intimal thickness (cIMT) is associated with hip BMD.

(ii)We will investigate whether cIMT is related to bone turnover, and whether any association observed explains that between cIMT and hip BMD as described in (i).

(iii) We will determine whether cIMT is related to pQCT parameters. In particular, we will determine whether these associations involve phenotypes suggestive of increased bone resorption, and if so, whether these relationships are explained by associations with beta-CTX as described in (ii).

(iv)Whether shared genetic risk factors also contribute to the relationship between CVD and osteoporosis will be examined as follows:-

a. We will investigate whether genetic markers for cIMT as identified in recent GWA studies are also related to hip BMD, pQCT variables and/or beta-CTX.

b. We will determine whether genetic markers for bone phenotypes identified in recent GWA studies are also associated with cIMT.

c. We will determine whether associations between cIMT and bone outcomes observed above are explained by shared genetic risk factors which we identify.

d. Whether associations between cIMT, bone phenotypes and genetic factors which we find can be replicated in other populations with equivalent genotypic and phenotypic data will be investigated based on other cohorts (eg Young Finns, Twins UK).