It is not just a matter of the heart: biomarkers of brain health in cardiovascular disease
This research program endeavors to uncover the intricate relationship between cardiovascular diseases and brain health through a series of projects.
Project description
Diseases affecting the heart and vasculature impact the brain more extensively than currently recognized and surgical procedures on the heart and the use of life support machines also have major adverse effects on the brain. The research seeks to develop biomarkers to quantify the impact of cardiovascular conditions and surgical procedures on the brain.
Initial investigations have identified key proteins and their dynamic profiles post-acute ischemic stroke, with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light (NFL) emerging as the most promising indicators of infarct volume assessment. We have also established NFL as an important risk marker of stroke and death in individuals with atrial fibrillation. We are now evaluating the predictive capacity of these biomarkers for stroke and mortality risks in various patient groups including population-based cohorts, cohorts of patients with established cardiovascular disease and cohorts of patients undergoing highly specialized cardiac surgery.
The program is poised to offer critical insights and tools for quantifying cardiovascular impacts on brain health, potentially guiding risk assessment and preventive care strategies for high-risk individuals.
Samarbetsparter
This project is a collaboration between us and the Department's research group in Cardiology/Uppsala Clinical Research Centre (UCR) and the thoracic surgeons at the Department of Surgical Sciences.