noval markers in cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and the global prevalence of cardiovascular disease increased every year. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a complex multifactorial disease. It is essential to understand the different biological and genetic factors that are associated with the development and progression of CVD in order to improve the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of the condition and, thereby, reduce mortality and morbidity. The use of cardiometabolic markers, including blood biomarkers such as troponin, and NT-proBNP, as well as non-invasive imaging markers, such as carotid intima media thickness and pulse wave arterial stiffness, might help to correctly identify patients with a CVD risk at an early stage. These markers may help practitioners understand and monitor disease progression, but whether they provide additional information to the conventional risk factors included in the risk prediction model or disease progression is not currently clear. In contrast, other biomarkers could help provide insights into pathophysiological processes and help practitioners understand potential drug targets. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small, noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by targeting specific messenger RNA. Dysregulation of specific miRNAs expression have been associated with cardiovascular diseases. Since the discovery of miRNAs in body fluids, including plasma, saliva and urine, a strong body of evidence has been published demonstrating the potential use of circulating miRNAs as markers for several diseases, including CVD. This thesis studies the possible determinants for imaging markers of cardiovascular disease risk, including carotid intima media thickness and pulse wave arterial stiffness index and further investigates putative circulating miRNAs as novel biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases. The overarching aim is to provide insight into novel biomarkers for monitoring and treatment of cardiovascular disease progression.