“Oximation optimization and applications in cardiovascular research”

Keywords: infarctions, atherosclerotic plaques, chemokines, treatment

Almost all myocardial and cerebral infarctions are a result of the formation and the eventual tearing of atherosclerotic plaques. However, the process that leads to the formation of these plaques is not yet clear. During the initial stage, an inflammatory response occurs, drawing certain leukocytes (monocytes) to the inflammatory area. These monocytes are attracted by small proteins (chemokines). There are more than 40 different human chemokines, each with its own function. Recent research has shown that these chemokines can enhance or diminish each other’s function by interacting with each other. This dissertation shows that the initial stage of atherosclerosis largely depends on the interaction between two of these chemokines (heterodimers). In addition, a very large number of unknown heterodimers have been found that play a role in the formation of atherosclerosis. Based on these findings, we started developing inhibitors of these interactions in order to treat and prevent atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular inflammatory responses.