Endogenous protective mechanisms and markers in cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world.

The underlying cause is accumulation of oxidized LDL in the vessel wall resulting in inflammation and atherosclerotic plaques. When plaques rupture, it can lead to myocardial infarction or stroke. Despite a long-term diabetes some diabetic patients still have no vascular complications.

Thus, protective mechanisms are present, and identification of these are important for the development of drugs aiming to stabilize plaques and reduce the risk for myocardial infarction and stroke. The lifetime risk of atrial fibrillation is more than 30%.

However, the mechanisms for development of atrial fibrillation are poorly understood and better markers for early detection are needed.We are focusing on identification of molecules, endogenously present in human plaques and plasma, associated with plaque stability or reduced occurrence of cardiovascular events.

Our recent findings reveal novel associations of antibodies against oxidized LDL epitopes with vascular complications of diabetes and with atrial fibrillation.

Our aim is to investigate their mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and possible use as biomarkers in cardiovascular disease.The current project will be conducted at Malmö and Lund Universities in collaboration with Oslo University by analysis of cohorts of human plasma (MDC-CV) and carotid plaques (CPIP) and by immunization studies of mice.