The Role of Genetic Variations, MicroRNA Expression and Impaired Carbohydrate Metabolism in Early Atherosclerosis Development and the Potential Role of Different Lipid Lowering Drug Therapies in the Preventions of Further Atherosclerosis Progression

1) To do genetic profiling of exome 4813 genes with known associations to 17 different cardiac conditions (183 genes) and metabolism (271 genes) using the exome sequencing kit (Illumina); 2) To evaluate vascular microRNA (miRNA) miRNA – 126, miRNA 145 and miRNA – 155 expression in patients serum samples and to correlate their expression with plaque tissue changes at one year follow up by i-MAP intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) imaging. The role of these miRNAs as plaque vulnerability biomarkers and potential treatment targets in patients with early atherosclerosis will be analyzed; 3) To evaluate the presence of glucose metabolism disturbances and its impact in long term on coronary plaque characteristics in patients) non – diabetic with premature atherosclerosis; 4) To evaluate efficacy of two different lipid lowering therapy strategies.