About Us

GENERAL RESEARCH TOPIC

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pathophysiological processes is essential for developing effective diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Our research focuses on the detailed characterization of these mechanisms, with the aim of identifying non-invasive biomarkers capable of monitoring disease progression and providing diagnostic and prognostic value. The integration of these biomarkers into clinical practice could optimize risk stratification and management of patients with cardiovascular disease.

In addition, the knowledge generated by these fundamental investigations supports the development of new therapeutic approaches aimed at atherosclerosis regression and reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events.

A multidisciplinary approach, based on the use of a variety of experimental models—from animal models to cell cultures—is implemented to facilitate preclinical studies aimed at investigating pathophysiological mechanisms and evaluating pharmacological strategies.

CURRENT RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Extracellular vesicles as biomarkers, biological vectors for microRNAs and biomedical tools modulating atherosclerosis: therapeutic potential of the extracellular vesicles released from adipose tissue derived stem cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on atherosclerosis-induced vascular dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy

• Microvesicle-associated and circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers in diabetic dyslipidemia and targets for therapeutic approaches to protect against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases

• Microvesicles and platelets as regulators of T-cell function in experimental induced atherosclerosis: exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying the miRNA-mediated modulation of T-cell functions

• Exosomes derived from neutrophils undergoing netosis as players in modulation of the cardiac fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition in cardiac fibrosis: investigation of responsible mechanisms and reliable markers to identify cardiac myofibroblasts

• Vascular wall damage in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and cardiopulmonary disease: molecular mechanisms involved and effects of extracellular vesicle- and siRNA-mediated therapy

• Mitochondrial dysfunction in atherosclerosis: mechanisms involved and therapeutic strategies