Research

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Implicated in the Functioning of Cardiovascular System in Health and Malfunctioning in Diseases; Therapeutic Control

Cardiovascular disease represents more than 45-60% of the world-wide death rate. The World Health Organisation predicted that by 2020 cardiovascular maladies will be the leading global cause of total disease burden. In the case of atherosclerosis, the first signs appear in young individuals but in time, as a function of numerous risk factors and genetic determinants, they evolve towards advanced atherosclerotic plaques. The plaques finally impede partially or totally the blood flow through a territory of the heart or brain, leading to myocardial infarction or stroke.

Uncovering the critical events and the pathobiochemistry of vascular diseases will provide the tools and the biomarkers for clinical screening, early diagnosis and efficient treatment of these maladies.