Proteomic Markers for Vascular Disease

The Atherosclerosis and Lipid Genomics Laboratory has a long-standing interest in circulating biomarkers of cardiovascular disease.

For example, in the Proteomic Markers of Arteriosclerosis Study, our research team investigated how novel protein markers in etiologic pathways of vascular disease relate to quantitative phenotypes (coronary artery calcium, cerebral leukoaraiosis, albuminuria and ankle-brachial index) of arteriosclerotic vascular disease. This study was conducted in participants of the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA) study.

Recent studies in Dr. Kullo's laboratory include biomarker research to predict adverse outcomes in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD).

Supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the Atherosclerosis and Lipid Genomics Lab obtained samples from the Prevention of Events with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Therapy (PEACE) clinical trial. These samples were used to measure osteopontin (OPN), a protein responsible for the maintenance of endothelial cell integrity, inflammatory response and vascular calcification.

The goal was to investigate if OPN is associated with cardiovascular death, fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and heart failure.

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