Appendix - CNIC

SCIENTIFIC REPORT ´09
Imaging in experimental cardiology
> RESEARCH INTEREST
Our recently formed laboratory focuses on the development of
experimental models of cardiovascular disease in order to
obtain knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the origin
and progression of these diseases and to test the efficacy of
novel interventions. Our studies span the molecular origins of
disease and their manifestations at the macro anatomical
and physiological levels. Our evaluation of experimental
animal models makes use of advanced imaging techniques
that can also be applied to humans, strengthening the
translational potential of our research. To exploit this
potential, we work on multi-disciplinary programs in close
collaboration with hospitals and clinical researchers.
One of our major interests is cardioprotection during
myocardial infarction (MI). In the initial phase of this project
we are establishing different models of MI in rodents and
large animals. These models will first be used to study the
mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of various
cardioprotective strategies (mainly those related to the
modulation of the adrenergic system). Once the advanced
imaging equipment is fully installed at the CNIC, it will serve
as a translational tool to confirm the mechanistic findings of
the bench studies.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
4 Atherothrombosis and Cardiovascular Imaging
Head of Laboratory: Borja Ibáñez Cabeza
Postdoctoral Researcher: David Sanz-Rosa
Predoctoral Researcher: Jaime García-Prieto
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In our first year, we have already established collaborations
with several hospitals and emergency medical services to
carry out the imaging examinations for proof-of-principle
clinical trials; and we are also participating in the European
Commission funded HYPERImage project for the
development of imaging technologies.
Analysis of MI size by magnetic resonance imaging. With sequences
potentiated in T2 (A, C) and T1 (B, D after administration of
gadolinium) it is possible to quantify the at-risk and infarcted areas.
The ability to use non-invasive in vivo imaging techniques to
determine the extension of necrosis into the at-risk area makes it
possible to reduce the number of experimental animals.
Ibanez B, Cimmino G, Prat-Gonzalez S, Vilahur G, Hutter R, Garcia MJ, Fuster V, Sanz J, Badimon L, Badimon J J. The
Cardioprotection Granted by Metoprolol is Restricted to its Administration Prior to Coronary reperfusion. Int J Cardiol (accepted)
Cimmino G, Chen W, Speidl WS, Giannarelli C, Ibanez B, Fuster V, Hajjar R, Walsh CE, Badimon JJ. Safe and sustained overexpression
of functional apolipoprotein A-I/high-density lipoprotein in apolipoprotein A-I-null mice by muscular adeno-associated viral serotype 8
vector gene transfer. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol (2009) 54: 405-11
Ibanez B, Cimmino G, Benezet-Mazuecos J, Santos-Gallego CG, Pinero A, Prat-Gonzalez S, Speidl WS, Fuster V, Garcia MJ, Sanz J,
Badimon JJ. Quantification of Serial Changes in Plaque Burden Using Multi-Detector Computed Tomography in Experimental
Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis (2009) 202: 185-91
Ibanez B, Badimon JJ. Cyclosporine in acute myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med (2008) 359: 2287, author reply 2288-9
Ibanez B, Cimmino G, Vilahur G, Speidl WS, Fuster V, Badimon L and Badimon JJ. Up-regulation of reverse cholesterol transport
key players and rescue from global inflammation by ApoA-I(Milano). J Cell Mol Med (2008) 13: 3226-35