top of page

Vascular Health Unit: A Translational Research Lab

Welcome to the Vascular Health Unit, a research lab dedicated to the identification of early markers of vascular impairment and maintenance of vascular health. Led by Dr. Stella S. Daskalopoulou and located at the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, our team focuses on cardiometabolic diseases, sex differences in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), women's health across the lifespan, and vascular disease prevention.

Experiment

About the Vascular Health Unit lab

At the Vascular Health Unit, we are dedicated to conducting cutting-edge translational research in the field of vascular health. Our team is composed of world-renowned researchers and clinicians who are committed to improving the health of individuals affected by cardiovascular diseases. We believe that early detection of vascular impairment and the maintenance of vascular health are crucial for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Our research focuses on cardiometabolic diseases, sex differences in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), women's health across the lifespan, and vascular disease prevention. We are also committed to training the next generation of researchers in the field of vascular health. Join us in our mission to improve the health of individuals affected by cardiovascular diseases.

Latest Publications

Adiponectin and Adiponectin Receptors in Atherosclerosis

Ioanna Gianopoulos, Christos S Mantzoros, Stella S Daskalopoulou 

Adiponectin is an abundantly secreted hormone that communicates information between the adipose tissue, and the immune and cardiovascular systems. In metabolically healthy individuals, adiponectin is usually found at high levels and helps improve insulin responsiveness of peripheral tissues, glucose tolerance, and fatty acid oxidation. Beyond its metabolic functions in insulin-sensitive tissues, adiponectin plays a prominent role in attenuating the development of atherosclerotic plaques, partially through regulating macrophage-mediated responses. In this context, adiponectin binds to its receptors, adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and AdipoR2 on the cell surface of macrophages to activate a downstream signaling cascade and induce specific atheroprotective functions. Notably, macrophages modulate the stability of the plaque through their ability to switch between proinflammatory responders, and anti-inflammatory proresolving mediators. Traditionally, the extremes of the macrophage polarization spectrum span from M1 proinflammatory and M2 anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Previous evidence has demonstrated that the adiponectin-AdipoR pathway influences M1-M2 macrophage polarization; adiponectin promotes a shift toward an M2-like state, whereas AdipoR1- and AdipoR2-specific contributions are more nuanced. To explore these concepts in depth, we discuss in this review the effect of adiponectin and AdipoR1/R2 on 1) metabolic and immune responses, and 2) M1-M2 macrophage polarization, including their ability to attenuate atherosclerotic plaque inflammation, and their potential as therapeutic targets for clinical applications.

bottom of page