BIOMARKERS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE STATUS

The pathological process underlying atherosclerosis results of complex interplay between molecular and cellular components present in the blood and vessel wall. A major challenge in cardiovascular research is the identification of novel biomarkers able to predict the risk of an individual to develop an acute thrombotic process consequence of the rupture/erosion of an atherosclerotic plaque as well a to determine the diseases prognosis and facilitate the selection of therapeutic treatments. Well known atherosclerotic risk factors as dyslipidaemia, hypertension, or diabetes may serve to predicted long-term cardiovascular events, but they are very weak predictors for short-term clinical outcomes and to determine their severity. This Research Program aims to identify and characterize new biomarkers or targets of vascular injury, atherothrombosis and ischemic syndromes, with potential use in prevention, disease diagnosis and treatment.