Our Research
At the Vascular Health Unit, we are dedicated to identifying early markers of vascular impairment and maintaining vascular health, with a focus on cardiometabolic diseases, sex differences in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), women's health across the lifespan, and vascular disease prevention. Our team, led by Dr. Stella S. Daskalopoulou and in collaboration with distinguished researchers and clinicians around the globe, has published numerous research papers in peer-reviewed journals. Below are some of our recent publications:
Recent Publications
Lipoprotein(a) in coronary artery disease
Jae Hyun Byun, Stella S. Daskalopoulou
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High plasma LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels have long been recognized as a major driver of coronary artery disease (CAD), owing to the well-established role of LDL in promoting atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression. Over time, this understanding has led to the development of several effective LDL-lowering therapies, including statins, ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 inhibitors, all of which significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes. However, a substantial number of patients continue to experience adverse cardiovascular events and remain at high risk despite achieving optimal plasma LDL-C levels. This residual risk has driven efforts to identify additional contributors to CAD that are not fully addressed by traditional lipid-lowering strategies.
Sex-specific effects of adiponectin on AdipoR1/R2 in macrophages from individuals with cardiovascular risk factors
Ioanna Gianopoulos, Stella S. Daskalopoulou
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Background and aims: Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) are key innate immune cells involved in all stages of atherosclerosis. Adiponectin is an anti-inflammatory hormone that modulates macrophage functions by interacting with adiponectin receptor (AdipoR)1 and AdipoR2. However, sex-specific AdipoR patterns in macrophages among people at risk for atherosclerosis have not been investigated. We evaluated the effects of adiponectin in MDMs on AdipoR1/R2 gene expression and inflammatory responses between males and females with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and without atherosclerosis.
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Methods and results: Our proof-of-concept cross-sectional study included males and females who had two or more CV risk factors without overt atherosclerosis. Blood samples were collected to isolate serum and CD14+ monocytes, which were differentiated into macrophages and cultured with adiponectin. MDMs and media were collected to assess AdipoR1/R2 gene expression and inflammatory profiles, respectively. Adiponectin-cultured MDMs from males (n = 6) did not alter AdipoR1 mRNA levels, but decreased AdipoR2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α mRNA; in females (n = 7), AdipoR1 mRNA was increased, while AdipoR2 and PPAR-α remained unchanged compared to control MDMs. In both males and females, adiponectin induced the release of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 from MDMs, in addition to MCP-1, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-12p40 in males.
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Conclusions: Adiponectin-cultured MDMs from males reduced AdipoR2-PPAR-α signaling and produced a heterogenous inflammatory profile. In contrast, adiponectin-cultured MDMs from females increased AdipoR1 gene expression and did not alter AdipoR2-PPAR-α signaling. This suggests that early interventions via an AdipoR2-targeted approach may benefit the CV health of males at risk for atherosclerosis.
Preeclampsia Prediction Transformed: The Promise of Arterial Stiffness
Brenda Valdes Sustaita, Elspeth Skeats, Mekayla Forrest, Maria Matossian, Helena Papacostas Quintanilla, Christian Delles, Stella S Daskalopoulou
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Preeclampsia is a major threat to pregnant people and their unborn children, causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Typically characterized by high blood pressure, proteinuria, and/or end-organ damage, preeclampsia affects up to 8% of pregnancies and is associated with long-term cardiovascular complications.1 Moreover, the economic impact of preeclampsia is profound due to prolonged hospital stays, intensive monitoring, and higher caesarean section and preterm delivery rates. For instance, early-onset preeclampsia is estimated to cost the Canadian healthcare system $23.91 million annually.2 Effective early prediction and management of preeclampsia are crucial to mitigate this healthcare burden.