Projects / Programmes
Cell-free nucleic acids in diagnosis of coronary atherosclerosis
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.06.00 |
Medical sciences |
Cardiovascular system |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B530 |
Biomedical sciences |
Cardiovascular system |
cell-free nucleic acids, coronary atherosclerosis, unstable plaque, diagnostics
Researchers (11)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
Nowadays there is no reliable, non-invasive method for the early diagnosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic coronary plaques and thus of patients who could suffer from acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Our research work aims to prove that patients with vulnerable atherosclerotic coronary plaques have in plasma increased concentration of messenger RNA (mRNA) of genes, of which increased gene expression in the arterial wall substantially contribute to the development and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of cell-free nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, mRNA) is nowadays already used in tumour and prenatal diagnostics. In addition, there is an intensive investigation into the possibilities of its application in stroke, trauma, diabetes and other critical care settings going on.
Concentrations of mRNA (for instance of genes encoding MMP9, HSP 70, Il-1α, perilipin, TF, MCP1, SR A1 in collagen α2 tip 1; not final selection) will be measured in plasma of 30 patients with ACS, 30 patients with stable angina pectoris and 30 control subjects presumably, in all participants in basic condition and in patients again one hour after a percutaneous coronary revascularization intervention. We believe that mRNA of aforementioned genes will be found in plasma in basic condition (and even easier after the mechanic treatment of coronary arteries) permitting a reliable comparison between stable and unstable patients.
To confirm expected results would mean to prove for the first time the existence of mRNA of genes, of which gene expression is increased in the atherosclerotic lesion, in plasma of patients with coronary atherosclerosis. Analysis of cell-free mRNA in plasma would become a useful, reliable, non-invasive test method for diagnosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic coronary plaques and thus patients who could suffer from ACS. In comparison to test methods nowadays used it would offer an earlier detection and treatment of the disease. Analysis of cell-free mRNA in plasma would also offer in vivo assessment of influence of atherosclerotic risk factors on arterial wall.
Significance for science
We developed laboratory methods for measurement plasma mRNA level of CTSS, CTSB, CD40, CCL2, DAPK1, MMP9 in VCAM1, i.e. of genes involved in coronary atherosclerotic plaque development and destabilization. The developed laboratory methods currently mean a novel research tool and an interesting professional challenge. They offer non-invasive in vivo analysis of gene expression profile in vascular beds and detection of intensified atherosclerotic process. Plasma mRNA analysis is an alternative or supplement to protein analysis. It offers non-invasive in vivo observation of pathophysiological factors, such as cathepsin S involvement in CD40 mediated inflammatory and immune response. It offers investigation of new potential therapies, such as non-invasive in vivo analysis of statin pleiotropy in human atherosclerotic model, which can finally confirm in vitro evidences and evidences from various animal atherosclerotic models. Future investigations will answer the question whether the novel analytical approach may be used as a useful, reliable, non-invasive test method for early diagnosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic coronary plaques and thus patients who could suffer from acute coronary syndrome. Besides yielding diagnostic and prognostic information the novel analytical approach may offer also non-invasive monitoring of treatment of the disease.
Significance for the country
Relevance of the results of the project group for science and interest of foreign comercial industry for financing the research activly integrate Slovenia into the common European socio-economic environment.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2008,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2008,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
