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


A rapid mechanism for muscle self-repair independent of stem cells

Researchers discovered a rapid muscle self-repair mechanism that relies on the rearrangement of muscle fibre nuclei, independently of muscle stem cells. This process occurs rapidly after physiological damage or exercise-induced injury and represents a time- and energy-efficient protective mechanism for minor lesions.

3D mapping of post-infarction scarring increases the prognostic potential of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

A multidisciplinary team developed a method for identifying 3-dimensional features of scar tissue after myocardial infarction, enhancing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging's prognostic potential. The new method reveals significant correlation between low scar transmurality and ventricular tachycardia episodes, improving clinical practice.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

CNIC scientists describe one of the mechanisms underlying cardiac hypertrophy

Researchers at CNIC have identified a new mechanism involved in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy, which may spur the development of new tools for its treatment. The SRSF4-GAS5-glucocorticoid receptor axis plays a crucial role in regulating ventricular function and preventing excessive heart muscle growth.

A drug costing less than €2 a day helps in the treatment of severely ill COVID-19 patients

A study by researchers at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III found that metoprolol significantly reduced lung infiltration and improved oxygenation in severely ill COVID-19 patients. The treatment also led to a shorter stay in the ICU and fewer days on mechanical ventilation.

A blood sugar biomarker identifies patients with atherosclerosis and a risk of cardiovascular events

A study by CNIC scientists found that glycosylated hemoglobin can identify individuals with advanced atherosclerotic disease and increased cardiovascular risk. The test can be used to calculate the degree of subclinical atherosclerosis in the general population, enabling personalized treatment plans.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 31, 2021

The first blood biomarker to distinguish between myocarditis and acute myocardial infarction

Researchers at CNIC have discovered a specific blood marker for myocarditis, allowing clinicians to distinguish the disease from other cardiomyopathies. The biomarker, miR-721, was validated in numerous hospitals and has high sensitivity and specificity (>90%) for myocarditis diagnosis.

Inhibition of proteins activated by nitric oxide reverses aortic aneurysm in Marfan syndrome

Scientists have discovered that the nitric oxide pathway is overactivated in Marfan Syndrome and causes aortic aneurysms. Inhibiting this pathway completely reverses the disease in a mouse model. The study identifies new therapeutic targets and markers for monitoring disease status.

CNIC researchers explain how high blood pressure, the most important cause of disease worldwide, acc

Researchers found that high blood pressure alters artery structure, facilitating atherosclerosis development and increasing accumulation of LDL cholesterol in human-like arteries. Keeping both LDL cholesterol and blood pressure low is crucial for preventing atherosclerosis.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 12, 2021

CNIC scientists identify mutations acquired by blood cells that accelerate heart failure progression

A study published in JACC reveals that clonal hematopoiesis, a phenomenon where acquired DNA mutations accelerate heart failure progression, is an independent risk factor. The presence of specific mutant clones, including those with TET2 and DNMT3A mutations, increases the risk of hospitalization and death from heart failure.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 5, 2021

Spanish scientists uncover early links between cardiovascular risk and brain metabolism

Researchers found a link between elevated cardiovascular risk and low brain metabolism in middle-aged individuals, with hypertension being the most closely associated factor. Atherosclerosis was also linked to lower brain metabolism, particularly in areas implicated in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 15, 2021

CNIC scientists identify a new diagnostic and therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease

Researchers at CNIC have identified mitochondrial protein ALDH4A1 as a potential marker for cardiovascular disease diagnosis and a possible therapeutic target. The study found that ALDH4A1 accumulates in plaques and its plasma concentration is elevated in patients with carotid atherosclerosis, suggesting it as a biomarker.

CNIC design an algorithm for personalized cardiovascular risk estimation in healthy people

Scientists at CNIC designed an algorithm that estimates cardiovascular risk in healthy middle-aged individuals based on variables like age, blood pressure, diet, and biomarkers. The EN-PESA algorithm provides a personalized risk profile for those with subclinical atherosclerosis or high short-term disease progression risk.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 28, 2020

Spanish scientists identify a biomarker that detects atherosclerosis before the appearance of symptoms

Researchers at CNIC discovered a biomarker, complement component 5 (C5), that detects atherosclerosis in its preclinical phase. Plasma levels of C5 can identify individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis, helping to select those who would benefit from more costly imaging analysis.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 21, 2020

CNIC scientists identify an immunological regulatory circuit that may play a central role in ocular diseases

Researchers at CNIC have identified an inflammatory regulatory circuit controlled by endothelial cells in the eye, which may regulate retinal vascular diseases and inflammatory disorders. The discovery provides new perspectives on treating conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Neutrophils are equipped with a 'disarmament' program that prevents the immune system going 'out of control'

Researchers at CNIC discovered a 'disarmament' mechanism in neutrophils that reduces their toxic capacity to prevent damage to healthy tissues. This innate system, driven by CXCR2 and circadian rhythms, helps regulate the immune response and could have implications for treating conditions like myocardial infarction and stroke.

Inhibiting a protease could improve the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine suggests that blocking the protease MT1-MMP could protect the vasculature in the inflamed gut and reduce severity of colitis. The research found that inhibiting this protease could have potential clinical implications, including identifying biomarkers for mild IBD.

CNIC scientists identify an essential protein for correct heart contraction and survival

A team of CNIC scientists identified SRSF3 as crucial for proper heart function and found that its loss leads to reduced expression of genes involved in contraction. Further research revealed that SRSF3 controls the alternative processing of mTOR, a major regulator of cell metabolism, which is essential for heart health.

CNIC is the coordinator of an international consensus document on the use of magnetic resonance

A new international consensus document provides guidelines for the conduct of magnetic resonance imaging studies after a myocardial infarction. The main outcome measure recommended is absolute infarct size, with scanning timing between 3 and 7 days post-infarction.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 8, 2019

A new genetic tool to modify and understand gene function

Scientists have developed a new genetic tool called iSuRe-Cre that provides certainty in Cre-inducible genetic modifications. This innovation increases the efficiency and reliability of gene function analysis in mice, allowing for precise investigation of gene role during organ development, physiology, and disease.

The protein p38gamma identified as a new therapeutic target in liver cancer

Researchers at CNIC have discovered that the protein p38gamma plays an essential role in initiating cell division in liver cells, making it a promising therapeutic target for liver cancer. The study found that inhibiting p38gamma slows down the development of liver cancer in mice, suggesting potential treatment options.

Advanced imaging technology predicts cardiovascular risk from inflammation detected in arteries

Researchers used advanced PET/MRI technology to analyze inflammatory processes in arteries of individuals with atherosclerotic plaques. The study found that inflammation is present at early stages of atherosclerosis, particularly in regions without developed plaques.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2019