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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

New biomarker for dementia diagnosis

Researchers have identified a new biomarker, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), associated with cognitive decline in old age. The study found that ADMA levels were linked to decline in cognitive performance assessments after four years.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJul 10, 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

Air pollution in India is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found a strong association between air pollution and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in peri-urban South India. People exposed to higher levels of fine particles had a higher CIMT index, indicating a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 8, 2019

Evolutionary gene loss may help explain why only humans are prone to heart attacks

Researchers suggest a genetic mutation two to three million years ago led to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease in all humans, while also setting up a further risk for red meat-eating humans. Human-like mice modified to lack the CMAH gene showed a significant increase in atherogenesis compared to control mice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

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

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.

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

How damaging immune cells develop during tuberculosis

Researchers found that immune cells in lung tissue accumulate triglycerides, a type of fat, rather than cholesterol, and form through distinct mechanisms depending on the disease. This discovery may lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 30, 2018