Researchers from the University of Valencia and the Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia (FISABIO)-Doctor Peset Hospital have initiated a study with which to find the molecular mechanisms that allow the design of new therapeutic targets that help to prevent or delay cardiovascular diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome and periodontal disease. The research led by Víctor M. Víctor, professor in the Department of Physiology, will last 4 years and will involve about 300 patients.
“Our research is focused on the development of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of these diseases associated with insulin resistance and that often cause cardiovascular accidents to patients who suffer from it. The study will also allow us to compare the samples of positive COVID-19 patients with negative COVID-19 ones”, highlights Dr. Víctor M. Víctor.
To develop it, the Ministry of Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society has awarded the team (a multidisciplinary group made up of national researchers and the University of Cambridge) more than 200,000 euros, within its Prometeo Program of Aid to Research Groups of Excellence.
Mainly, pathologies such as obesity and type 2 diabetes will be studied, which constitute a challenge for global health and also in the Valencian Community. In fact, every year, the prevalence of these pathologies increases and, therefore, the health expenditure and the mortality caused by related cardiovascular diseases as well. In turn, patients with these pathologies worsen the prognosis and development of COVID-19.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, one of the most frequent causes of female infertility, and periodontal disease, chronic inflammation of the gums that can cause tooth loss and chronic inflammation, are also the object of study of the research group.
In both cases, these are also pathologies related to insulin resistance, a syndrome that affects one in three adults and that occurs when the body stops reacting to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas and whose function is to modulate blood glucose levels, as well as its distribution to tissues.
“This project will allow us to be able to investigate in depth the underlying mechanisms involved in the development of diseases associated with insulin resistance. Among these mechanisms, we will focus on mitochondrial dysfunction and its dynamics, endoplasmic reticulum stress, changes in autophagy and mitophagy, leukocyte-endothelium interaction and changes in the inflammasome”, says the study’s main researcher.
“Having been able to receive this PROMETEO Project –adds Víctor M. Víctor– as a research group of excellence in the Valencian Community is for us an extraordinary pride and recognition”.
