Add BrightSurf on Google Email

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


A new therapeutic target for blocking early atherosclerosis in progeria

Researchers have discovered a new molecular mechanism involved in premature atherosclerosis in mice with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. The study identifies tauroursodeoxycholic acid as a potential therapeutic target that slows the progression of atherosclerosis and extends lifespan in progeroid mice.

CNIC researchers identify a very early marker of cardiac damage triggered by cancer treatment

Researchers at CNIC identified a very early marker of cardiac damage in patients undergoing anthracycline therapy, allowing for early diagnosis and potential prevention of irreversible damage. The discovery has implications for patient prognosis and may lead to new therapies based on mitochondrial transplantation.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 18, 2019

Scientists discover an immune 'clock' that controls infections and cardiovascular disease

Researchers at CNIC discovered a daily cycle that regulates neutrophil activation, protecting against infection but potentially causing damage to the cardiovascular system. The study suggests that manipulating this clock could lead to new treatments for patients at risk of cardiovascular events or infections.

The duration and quality of sleep is of vital importance in cardiovascular health

The study found that participants who slept less than six hours were 27% more likely to have atherosclerosis compared to those who slept seven to eight hours. Poor quality sleep also increased the risk of atherosclerosis, with participants waking during the night or experiencing frequent movements during sleep being at higher risk.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 14, 2019

A new mechanism in the control of inflammation

Researchers at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) have discovered a new mechanism that controls tissue infiltration by neutrophils, which are tasked with eliminating the source of infection or inflammation. This regulation prevents excessive tissue injury and is essential to understanding immune system balance.

A CNIC-coordinated project is set to receive €1 million in funding over the next 3 years

A CNIC-coordinated project will investigate the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) and its structural heterogeneity, with potential implications for metabolic plasticity. Researchers from various countries and specialties will collaborate to develop new methods and gain a deeper understanding of this fundamental biological process.

CNIC scientists identify a promising target for the treatment of heart failure

Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target, OMA1, which protects cardiomyocytes from death and deterioration in heart function when the heart is under stress. Inhibition of OMA1 prevents heart failure in models of chronic tachycardia, hypertension, and myocardial ischemia with cardiac hypertrophy.

Scientists identify a key mechanism regulating a protein required for muscle and heart function

Researchers have identified a crucial mechanism in the regulation of titin protein, a key player in skeletal muscle and heart function. The study found that disulfide bonds play a significant role in determining titin's elastic properties, and their formation can cause major changes in the protein's elasticity.

LDL cholesterol, the main modifiable predictor of atherosclerosis in individuals with no risk factor

A new study by CNIC researchers found that LDL-C is the main predictor of atherosclerotic plaques in individuals with no risk factors, such as hypertension or smoking. The study suggests that reducing LDL-C levels can help prevent the appearance of atherosclerosis.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 11, 2017

Dogma overturned: New studies into inflammation in the infarcted heart could lead to changes in therapy

Researchers at CNIC and FJD have demonstrated a bimodal postinfarction inflammatory reaction in human patients using advanced MRI technology. The study reveals two distinct edematous reactions occurring at different times after an infarction, with implications for clinical trials and future studies.

CNIC scientists find the key to improved cancer immunotherapy

Researchers found that generating an optimal immune response against cancer requires the cooperation of two types of memory T cells: those that circulate in the blood and those that reside in tissues. This discovery has the potential to improve current cancer immunotherapy strategies, especially in preventing metastasis.

Hypoxia signaling plays a physiological role in the formation of the heart

Scientists have discovered that hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) establish metabolic boundaries between cardiomyocytes to regulate maturation and contraction of the muscle. This pathway challenges previous models on heart metabolism, playing a critical role in correct formation of ventricles.

Heart defects identified in progeria patients that increase the risk of arrhythmias and premature death

Progeria, a rare genetic disease, is characterized by an elevated risk of arrhythmias and premature death due to anomalies in the transmission of electrical signals in the heart. The study reveals that mislocalization of connexin 43 reduces connectivity between cardiomyocytes, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2016

CNIC researchers identify a mechanism through which the Leishmania parasite sabotages the immune response

Researchers at CNIC have identified a mechanism that allows the Leishmania parasite to evade the immune system by binding to receptor Mincle on dendritic cells. The study found that the parasite's Mincle ligand weakens immune response, allowing it to replicate and be transmitted.

Full adherence to guideline-recommend therapies associated with lower rate of MACE

The MINERVA study found a significant association between higher medication adherence rates and improved patient outcomes, including reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and healthcare costs. Fully adherent patients had a lower risk of MACE compared to partially and non-adherent populations.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 22, 2016

Changes to mitochondrial metabolism allow the immune system to adapt to infection

Scientists at CNIC discover how immune cells adapt to live bacteria through mitochondrial metabolism changes. The study found that detection of live bacteria triggers a change in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, enabling macrophages to redirect metabolic routes for efficient energy production.

CNIC researchers discover the molecular mechanisms that produce the heart's contractile structure

Researchers at CNIC have discovered a crucial mechanism underlying the contractile structures in both hearts and skeletal muscles. The study reveals how Chd4/NuRD acts as a molecular key to shut down one muscle program in another, leading to hybrid striated muscles that can cause severe myocardiopathies and polymyositis-type myopathies.

CNIC researchers discover a new target for the treatment of fatty liver disease

CNIC researchers have identified a new target for the treatment of fatty liver disease, p38 gamma and p38 delta proteins. Inhibition of these proteins with specific inhibitors has shown potential as a treatment for fatty liver disease, potentially preventing inflammation, liver damage, and diabetes linked to obesity.

Group therapy is an effective and cost-efficient way to promote cardiovascular health

A group-therapy intervention program achieves significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, exercise, weight, diet, and tobacco smoking. The program also encourages participants to adopt healthy habits and increase physical activity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 9, 2015

Identified the mechanism that controls localization of protein Rac1 in the cell nucleus

Researchers at CNIC identified the molecular mechanism regulating transport of Rac1 between nucleus and cytoplasm. Sustained presence of Rac1 in nucleus promotes nuclear deformation to facilitate cell migration through confined spaces. The study provides potential targets for future therapies.