Dr. Tsai was among the first to recognize the importance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle heterogeneities, the inverse association of serum triglyceride with particle sizes of lipoproteins, and the implication of these phenomena in assessing CVD risk. His laboratory continues to be active in this area and he continues to publish research findings on the utility of non-traditional lipoprotein measurements for CVD risk prediction. Beyond lipids, Dr Tsai has extensively studied other risk factors. For example, Tsai helped pioneer the study of genetic and nutritional influence on serum homocysteine level and the usefulness of serum homocysteine levels in the risk prediction of venous thrombosis and coronary artery diseases. Tsai's laboratory is among the first to acquire the capability to analyze serum and red blood cell membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition. Currently, the Tsai laboratory remains one of the nation's most active in investigating fatty acids and heart disease risk, having performed studies in large population-based cohorts including besides MESA and GOLDN the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA), the Women's Health Study, and the Physicians' Health Study. His team has been researching the role of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in human health. A lower ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of many inflammation-related chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease that are prevalent in Western societies and developing countries. Dr. Tsai's laboratory has recently moved into NIH-funded large-scale phenotypic and genotypic biomarker studies to investigate risk factors related to CVD such as hypertension and diabetes in pregnant women.
