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Description

Identification of molecular mechanisms, new pharmacological targets and active molecules in cardiovascular pathologies such as hypertension, human heart failure and obesity.

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death in our environment and research into the mechanisms that generate them, as well as the possibilities of pharmacological action to modulate these mechanisms, are priority lines of research at national and European level. Our group focuses on three pathologies, obesity, hypertension and heart failure, and carries out translational research dedicated to the identification of new pharmacological targets and active molecules in these pathologies, working in both animal and human models. In addition, from a healthcare approach, its activity also focuses on research into the rational use of drugs in the field of community pharmacy, pharmacovigilance, public health, etc. The group's research focuses on identifying the changes that occur in obesity, hypertension and heart failure at the level of molecular mechanisms related to adrenergic regulation (via alpha1 or beta receptors) of the heart, vessels or adipose tissue, and their interrelation with the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. In this direction, the role of neurotrophin-3, which regulates neuronal growth during embryonic development, is also being analysed. The aim is to find new pharmacological targets to normalise altered cardiovascular function through its regulation. Knowledge of new targets will also allow the testing of molecules active on them as possible therapeutic tools. Thus, and within a translational research framework, the lines described below are being developed:

  • Characterisation of the pathways mediated by alpha1 and beta adrenoceptors as possible pharmacological targets in obesity and cardiovascular pathology.
  • Gene and protein expression of neurotrophin-3 and its receptor TrkC.
  • Characterisation of the neurotrophin-3 pathway as a new pharmacological target in animal models of obesity and cardiovascular pathology.
  • Characterisation of the NO pathway and the role of constitutive NO synthases as possible pharmacological targets.
  • Relationship between the NO pathway and adrenergic or TrkC receptor-mediated transduction pathways.
  • Characterisation of the angiogenic process in human/murine vessels and its regulation by adrenoceptors, NT-3 and NO.
  • Consequences of hypoxia/ischemia on these pathways.
  • Identification of the changes observed in animal models and in obese, hypertensive, heart failure and heart transplant patients.
  • Identification of human biomarkers in these pathologies.
  • Search for molecules active on these pathways.

To develop these lines, collaborations have been established, consolidated in projects at national and international level, with groups of researchers from other universities, private companies or the CSIC, and with clinical groups from the Hospital La Fe, the Hospital de La Ribera-Alzira and the INCLIVA Health Research Institute.

Goals CT
  • Identification of the molecular mechanisms of human obesity, hypertension and heart failure; determination of human biomarkers.
  • Transcriptional regulation, signalling and expression of adrenoceptors and NT-3 in human obesity, hypertension and heart failure.
  • Characterisation of the angiogenic process in human/murine vessels and its role in human obesity, hypertension and heart failure.
  • Characterisation of adrenoceptors and their transduction pathways, including the nitric oxide pathway, as pharmacological targets.
  • Characterisation of neurotrophin-3 as a new pharmacological target in obesity, hypertension and heart failure.
Research lines

Cardiovascular pharmacology

Identification of molecular mechanisms, new pharmacological targets and active molecules in cardiovascular pathologies and obesity.

Management
  • D'OCON NAVAZA, MARIA PILAR
  • PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
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Members
  • IVORRA INSA, MARIA DOLORES
  • PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
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  • NOGUERA ROMERO, MARIA ANTONIA
  • PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
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Scientific production by UV researcher
  • D'OCON NAVAZA, MARIA PILAR
    PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
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  • IVORRA INSA, MARIA DOLORES
    PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
    Expandir
  • NOGUERA ROMERO, MARIA ANTONIA
    PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
    Expandir
Associated structure
Contact group details
Cardiovascular Pharmacology (FarCardVas)

Burjassot/Paterna Campus

Av.Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n

46100 Burjassot (Valencia)

+34 963 544 828

Geolocation

m.pilar.docon@uv.es

Contact people
  • D'OCON NAVAZA, MARIA PILAR
  • PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
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