Page 45 - MemoriaCIBER2019-ENG

CIBERCV 45
the methodology of a clinical trial (randomisation, blinding, multicentre recruitment, centralised analysis) to an animal study aimed at analyzing the efficacy and mechanisms involved in ischaemic preconditioning strategies. The uniqueness of this initiative, led by Dr. Ibañez’s group, lies in the rigor of the methodology to try to reduce the variability and the experimental biases that may justify the enormous variability in the results that have been described in the ischaemic preconditioning studies in large animal models.
In the aortic diseases research line, several collaborative multicentre studies have been completed to characterise the genetic and biomechanical bases of the bicuspid aortic valve and associated aortic dilatation. These studies, led by Dr. Evangelista, are an example of the potential of collaborative participation even in high prevalence diseases. Especially promising have been the results of the characterisation of aortic flow using phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging the basis of aortic dilation in bicuspid valve disease.
In the line of research focused on valve disease and congenital heart disease, the most important milestone of 2019 is the double initiative of the publication of a retrospective study aimed at analysing the prognostic implications of treatment with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors following transcatheter aortic valve replacement that was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, led by Dr. San Román’s group. In parallel, a pragmatic multicentre study was launched to analyse this same problem. This line of research will definitively clarify the potential of these drugs as a complementary treatment to valve replacement.
P3: Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Risk Factors
Coordinator: Jaume Marrugat de la Iglesia
The purpose of the Programme on Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Risk Factors is to investigate the mechanism linking cardiovascular risk factors with the serious diseases they entail, such as ischaemic heart disease and cerebro- vascular disease. Programme 3 of the CIBERCV is made up of two lines of research.
Within the line of Epidemiology, cohorts, risk factors and cardiovascular risk functions, progress has been made in several important projects in 2019. The group led by Dr. Sanchís has analysed in detail the impact of comorbidity and mortality due to revascularisation in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation.
Regarding the risk factors associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases, Dr. Marrugat’s group has pu- blished a new study from the REGICOR cohort describing the usefulness of circulating microRNAs to reclassify healthy individuals and identify those with coronary artery disease.
P4: Molecular and imaging biomarkers and precision CV medicine
Coordinator: Javier Díez Martínez
CIBERCV Programme 4 seeks the identification, validation, and transfer to the National Health System of molecular and imaging biomarkers enabling early and accurate diagnosis of cardiovascular pathologies, for their personalised and effective treatment.
The research line focused on the evaluation of known biomarkers, coordinated by Dr. Antoni Bayés-Genís and Dr. Díez, has made important advances. In a major collaborative translational effort, the association between interleukin 1b axis activation and mortality in patients with decompensated acute heart failure has been established.
Line 2 of Programme 4 focussing on the identification of new biomarkers, coordinated by Dr. Jesús Vázquez, concen- trates on the identification and small-scale validation of biomarkers in heart failure, ischaemic vascular disease, atrial fibrillation, valve diseases, cardiomyopathies and cardiovascular ageing. To be highlighted in this line are the works led by Dr. Ibáñez focused on the identification of new image-based biomarkers for the early detection of anthracycli- ne cardiac damage, using a large animal model of cardiotoxicity.