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Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)


REACT reveals that silent atherosclerosis already affects 1 in 13 young adults aged 18 to 29 and progresses rapidly from the menopause

The REACT study reveals that 57.1% of participants aged 18 to 70 had atherosclerotic plaques, despite no symptoms or previous diagnosis. Most people with coronary atherosclerosis also had the disease in other arteries, making portable ultrasound devices a promising screening tool.

Left ventricular hypertrabeculation, an anatomical feature of the heart traditionally linked to higher risk, does not worsen outcomes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

A study of 1,160 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy found that left ventricular hypertrabeculation is not associated with increased risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, or embolic events. The presence of hypertrabeculation does not modify clinical risk in any genetic subgroup.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 4, 2026

Study questions the value of intensive cardiac surveillance in cancer patients treated with anthracyclines

A study led by CNIC suggests that intensive cardiac surveillance may have limited clinical value for lymphoma patients with low to moderate cardiovascular risk who are treated with anthracyclines. Nearly half of the patients met criteria for cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction, but most abnormalities were mild and transient.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJACC CardioOncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 29, 2026

Researchers uncover a new mechanism underlying the most common inherited heart disease and confirm the effectiveness of a next-generation therapy

A study led by the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III has identified a new molecular mechanism involved in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Researchers confirm the effectiveness of mavacamten in treating the condition, regardless of genetic mutation type.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

A new technology helps reveal how the heart generates cells with regenerative potential

Researchers at CNIC developed a technique to analyze proteins in individual cardiomyocytes, uncovering new clues about cardiac regeneration. The study found that the transcription factor Myc alters protein expression differently in each cell, generating regenerative potential in a subpopulation of cardiomyocytes.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalGenome Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2026

CNIC researcher Florian Weinberger awarded ERC Advanced Grant for the project CARDIOSWITCH

The European Research Council has awarded an Advanced Grant to CNIC researcher Florian Weinberger for the CARDIOSWITCH project, which aims to develop new regenerative strategies for congenital heart disease. The five-year project will investigate how mechanical workload influences cardiomyocyte proliferation and function.

Cells have a secret power line: Scientists discover how the nucleus gets its own private energy supply

Researchers found that mitochondria physically attach to nuclear pore complexes, delivering energy-rich molecules directly to the nucleus. This efficient system supports processes like gene regulation and cellular differentiation, and its disruption affects heart development and cellular function.

The left and right ventricles differ in their ability to withstand the effects of cardiac arrest

Researchers found that the right ventricle is better able to withstand loss of blood perfusion and oxygen supply during cardiac arrest, leading to longer preservation of its native electrical activity. The study's findings support the use of surface ECG signals to predict neurological recovery after hospital admission.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2026

CNIC scientists identify a biomarker that improves risk prediction in a severe form of heart failure

Researchers discovered a biomarker that can predict disease progression and mortality in patients with severe heart failure. Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) levels are associated with greater disease severity, mortality, and heart failure events.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 21, 2026

A CNIC study shows that the heart can be protected during chemotherapy without reducing antitumor efficacy

Researchers have found that remote ischemic conditioning can protect the heart without reducing antitumor efficacy in cancer patients undergoing anthracycline treatment. This non-pharmacological technique may reduce long-term cardiovascular complications and improve quality of life.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalBasic Research in Cardiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2026

A yeast enzyme helps human cells overcome mitochondrial defects

A yeast enzyme, Sc URA, has been found to sustain nucleotide synthesis independently of mitochondrial respiration in human cells. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating mitochondrial diseases with no cure, and could provide a valuable experimental tool for understanding rare diseases and cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Study reveals new cellular mechanisms that allow the most common chronic cardiac arrhythmia to persist in the heart

Researchers identify non-contractile cell populations and their role in sustaining atrial fibrillation, a persistent and challenging-to-treat cardiac arrhythmia. The study provides insight into the cellular mechanisms involved and suggests new therapeutic strategies targeting these components.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026

Pioneering technique allows the first-in-human repair of defective mechanical heart valves without surgery

A team developed a catheter-based approach to treat defective mechanical aortic valves, avoiding high-risk open-heart surgery. The procedure, known as mechanical valve-in-valve (ViMech), was successfully applied in three human patients with severely damaged mechanical valves and extremely high surgical risk.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 4, 2026

CNIC scientists uncover a novel mechanism involved in inflammation resolution

A study published in Immunity reveals that type I interferons (IFN-I) help resolve inflammation by inducing changes in macrophage mitochondria, improving their ability to remove dead cells. The researchers found that treatment with IFN-I increases macrophage uptake of apoptotic cells and reduces the expression of inflammatory genes.

Study reveals how high blood pressure increases susceptibility to heart damage caused by a key cancer treatment

Research reveals that high blood pressure significantly increases risk of heart damage caused by anthracycline cancer treatments. The study identifies a 'perfect storm' effect when high blood pressure and anthracyclines coincide, leading to heart failure.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2026

Five decisive actions to transform Europe’s NCD monitoring systems: “What gets measured gets prioritised”

A new policy paper highlights five critical areas for advancing data-driven policymaking to curb the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Europe. The paper emphasizes the need for inclusive data collection, solid governance, and real-time policymaking to address inequalities and ensure equitable healthcare.

Neutrophils are less aggressive at night, explaining why nighttime heart attacks cause less damage than daytime events

A study by CNIC reveals that neutrophils, a type of immune cell, are less aggressive at night, resulting in less severe heart attacks. Researchers developed a pharmacological strategy to block the molecular clock in neutrophils, reducing their harmful potential during infarction.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2025

NeuMap: a pioneering map of neutrophils that redefines their role in health, infection, and inflammation

Scientists created the first comprehensive map of neutrophils using next-generation sequencing technologies, revealing a stable architecture despite individual cells' short lifespan. This discovery opens new avenues for guiding immunity toward healing and facilitating translation to clinical studies.

Major international study confirms that beta-blockers are no longer needed in post-infarction patients with normal heart function

A major analysis by CNIC and international institutions found beta-blockers offer no clinical benefit for patients with preserved cardiac function after myocardial infarction. The study analyzed data from five global clinical trials, confirming that beta-blocker therapy does not reduce the risk of death or cardiovascular events.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 9, 2025

CNIC scientists report the first use of CRISPR activation to treat a cardiac disease in mice

Researchers at CNIC developed a mouse model carrying a truncating FLNC mutation that reproduces the electrical abnormalities observed in patients. They then used CRISPRa-based gene-therapy to restore Filamin C protein production, reversing cardiac electrical abnormalities and arrhythmias.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2025

Genes linked to sudden cardiac death increase the risk of heart failure in patients with genetic dilated cardiomyopathy

Patients with genetic dilated cardiomyopathy who experience severe arrhythmias are at an elevated risk of developing advanced heart failure and requiring a heart transplant. Genetic mutations in genes associated with severe arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death increase the risk of serious heart failure complications.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2025

New study finds that, after a heart attack, women have worse prognosis when treated with beta-blockers

A major new analysis from the REBOOT trial reveals that women treated with beta-blockers after a heart attack had a higher risk of death, reinfarction, or hospitalization for heart failure. The study also found that women presenting with infarction had a worse cardiovascular profile and a significantly worse prognosis than men.

CNIC-led REBOOT clinical trial challenges 40-year-old standard of care for heart attack patients

A new clinical trial has found that beta-blockers, commonly prescribed for cardiac conditions, offer no clinical benefit for patients who have had an uncomplicated myocardial infarction. The REBOOT trial enrolled 8,505 patients and showed no significant differences between those receiving or not receiving beta-blockers in rates of deat...

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 30, 2025

A hospital imaging technique used in cancer care improves the monitoring and treatment of atherosclerosis

A hospital imaging technique can monitor atherosclerosis by measuring cellular metabolism within arterial plaques. The study demonstrates that the FDG-PET signal reflects the metabolic activity of atherosclerotic plaques, enabling sensitive evaluation of treatment efficacy and disease progression risk.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2025

A gut microbiota metabolite linked to atherosclerosis could revolutionize diagnosis and treatment

A new study has identified a gut microbiota-derived metabolite, imidazole propionate (ImP), that appears in the blood during the early stages of active atherosclerosis. The presence of ImP is associated with the development of active atherosclerosis in people who otherwise appear healthy.

CNIC scientists reveal how the cellular energy system evolved—and how this knowledge could improve the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases

Researchers have uncovered the evolutionary logic of the OxPhos system and developed a tool to detect mutations causing mitochondrial disease. ConScore, a predictive index assesses clinical relevance of mutations in OxPhos proteins.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2025

CNIC scientists uncover how the immune response drives atherosclerosis—the root cause of heart attacks and strokes

Researchers at CNIC identify conventional type 1 dendritic cells as key players in driving atherosclerosis. They then develop an experimental therapy using immunosuppressive nanoparticles that successfully halt disease progression in animal models.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2025

CNIC team reveals how the heart is organized from the earliest stages of embryonic development

Researchers at CNIC uncover how the heart forms during earliest embryonic development, shedding light on congenital heart defects and regenerative medicine. The heart originates from two separate cell populations that coordinate their formation simultaneously.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2025

A type of immune cell strengthens immunotherapy and prevents tumor relapse in animal models

Scientists have discovered a new immunotherapy strategy using type I dendritic cells to activate strong immune responses and generate immune memory against cancer. The treatment helps prevent tumor relapse in mouse models by triggering an immune memory response.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2025

Breakthrough gene therapy offers hope for rare, deadly heart disease in young men

A team of researchers has developed a gene-therapy strategy to treat arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy type 5 (ARVC5), a rare and deadly hereditary disease. The treatment, using adeno-associated viruses, improved cardiac function and prolonged survival in mice with ARVC5-like disease.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

The heart remembers: Scientists describe how early-life cardiac injury in parents influences the development and function of the heart in the next generation

Scientists have discovered that early-life cardiac injury in parents can alter heart development and function in offspring, leading to improved cardiac remodeling and increased blood ejection volume. This finding suggests a potential long-term impact on cardiovascular health.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

CNIC scientists discover a type of immune cell that produces defensive "shields" in the skin

Researchers have identified a type of immune cell that produces extracellular matrix, strengthening the skin's defensive function and maintaining its integrity. This discovery may lead to new strategies for treating skin diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and age-related conditions.

CNIC scientists design an effective treatment strategy to prevent heart injury caused by a class of anticancer drugs

Researchers at the CNIC have designed a treatment strategy to protect the heart against cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines, a common class of anticancer drugs. Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, has been shown to preserve cardiac function and metabolism in experimental models.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJACC CardioOncology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2025

Spanish scientists discover how the gut modulates the development of inflammatory conditions

Gut bacteria that cross a weakened intestinal barrier induce epigenetic changes in bone marrow, generating trained immune cells primed to respond more efficiently to infections. However, this amplified immune response also contributes to the development of inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions.

The CNIC presents iFlpMosaics, an innovative genetic toolkit for the study of gene function

The CNIC has developed a comprehensive set of genetic tools and mouse lines called iFlpMosaics, enabling accurate investigation of somatic mutations on cellular biology and disease. This toolkit facilitates the study of complex interactions between cells within their microenvironment.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2024

CNIC scientists discover a key mechanism in fat cells that protects the body against energetic excess

Researchers identify caveolae's role in protecting adipocytes from rupture and inflammation; this discovery opens new avenues for treating metabolic diseases like obesity. The study highlights the importance of the caveolin-1 protein in maintaining cellular integrity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2024

A new image processing strategy for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging identifies culprit areas underlying complex tachycardias

A new image processing strategy for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging identifies areas responsible for complex ventricular tachycardias, enabling preoperative planning and reducing procedure times and complications. The systematic approach eliminates operator bias and increases sensitivity for detecting these regions.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEP Europace·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 8, 2024

A new study reveals a key mechanism driving atherosclerosis in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome

A team of researchers has identified the activation of the YAP/TAZ pathway as a major contributor to atherosclerosis in patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. This discovery sheds light on the vascular problems faced by HGPS patients and opens up potential new avenues for treatment.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2024

Progression of subclinical atherosclerosis predicts all-cause mortality risk

A study published in JACC demonstrates that subclinical atherosclerosis burden and progression independently predict death from any cause. Asymptomatic individuals with high carotid plaque burden and coronary artery calcification are at increased risk of mortality.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2024

Scientists at the CNIC discover an unexpected involvement of sodium transport in mitochondrial energy generation

Researchers at the CNIC found that respiratory complex I possesses sodium transport activity essential for efficient cellular energy production. This discovery provides a molecular explanation for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and may have implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.

Cardiometabolic risk factors in apparently healthy individuals are linked to altered coronary microcirculation

A study finds that cardiometabolic indicators like metabolic syndrome and diabetes impair coronary microvascular function, increasing cardiovascular risk. The presence of subclinical atherosclerosis also contributes to altered microvessel function.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJACC Cardiovascular Imaging·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 19, 2024

The RESILIENCE trial: Preventing heart injury caused by anticancer drugs

The RESILIENCE clinical trial explores the effectiveness of remote ischemic conditioning to prevent cardiotoxicity in lymphoma patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy. The trial aims to reduce heart failure prevalence and improve quality of life for cancer survivors.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 13, 2024

Circulation: A new mechanism of early-onset atherosclerosis in a premature aging syndrome

Researchers at CNIC have identified endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition as a novel mechanism in premature atherosclerosis in progeria. The study proposes a new therapeutic target for this disease and highlights the importance of investigating rare diseases like progeria.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024