Projects / Programmes
Atherosclerosis and thrombosis
January 1, 2015
- December 31, 2018
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.06.00 |
Medical sciences |
Cardiovascular system |
|
| 1.05.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biochemistry and molecular biology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B530 |
Biomedical sciences |
Cardiovascular system |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 3.02 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Clinical medicine |
atherosclerosis, thrombosis, etiopathogenesis, preclinical atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, coagulation, systemic inflammatory markers, genetic polymorphisms, drug actions
Researchers (43)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Arterial atherosclerotic and venous thromboembolic disease represents one of the most common causes of death in developed countries. The etiopathogenesis of both disease is still not completely understood. Therefore, we would like to investigate the involvement of various risk factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and venous thrombosis. We plan to study changes in blood coagulation and fibrinolysis, as well as changes in the systemic inflammatory markers that are probably the common denominator of the pathogenesis of arterial and venous disease. Using non-invasive examination methods, like positron emission tomography, we aim to study the inflammatory changes of unstable atherosclerotic plaques that cause thromboembolic complications and compare them with systemic (circulating) inflammatory markers. Furthermore, we intend to evaluate the reliability and usefulness of the newer tests that allow the study of changes in the composition of the blood and to assess their predictive value in the development of atherothrombotic complications. We will continue to study changes in preclinical atherosclerosis. We will investigate vascular function and changes in the arterial wall in certain groups of patients, such as those with essential thrombocythemia and patients with various forms of coronary heart disease. We will search for safer and more effective therapeutic options that could give better results than currently available therapeutic approaches. We will explore why some drugs, particularly anti-platelet agents, are not effective in some patient groups with different atherosclerotic diseases and what is the impact of genetic polymorphism. We will study factors associated with the development of late complications in deep vein thrombosis and superficial thrombophlebitis.
We expect that the findings of this research will contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and thrombosis and thus lead to the possibility of choosing more efficient ways of identifying patients at risk and of prevention of the disease. Checking the mechanisms and effectiveness of drugs used in the prevention of heart disease will contribute to a more effective and individualized approach to treatment of these conditions.
Significance for science
The proposed research programme aims to answer open questions and uncertainties in relation to the development of the most common vascular diseases, atherosclerosis and thrombosis, and represents a scientific challenge whose resolution will probably have a major impact on the treatment of these patients. Our previous findings have encouraged the interest of the international expert community. By studying the mechanisms of action and efficacy of drugs drugs used for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, we will supplement existing knowledge of the pharmacotherapy of these diseases and thereby stimulate efforts to individualise pharmacotherapy and to ensure that mainly those drugs should be prescribed, for which there is direct evidence of positive effects on the cardiovascular system.
Significance for the country
Our aim is to answer some fundamental questions regarding the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and to assess the possibilities of the most effective therapeutic approaches; this will contribute to a better and more rational choice of treatment for those cardiovascular patients in Slovenia who have the highest morbidity and mortality. The research findings and knowledge that we gain through these scientific research activities will be successfully distributed at Slovenian and international level. In this way we promote not only Slovenian science but also our country. Based on the results achieved so far our group has a high reputation internationally. Members of our research group present their work at the international scientific congresses and are invited to take an active part as members of the most important European vascular associations. The Head of our research group with co-workers had the privilege and honour to be the host of several important international meetings and conferences. Members of our research group present the results of our research activities as invited speakers at European and world congresses and thereby promote Slovenian science.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2015,
2016,
2017,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2015,
2016,
2017,
final report
