Achievements

Inflammation and Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)/Hyperhomocysteinemia

• We have shown that:

  • FH children are characterized by an inflammatory imbalance between TNFα and IL-10, potentially contributing to the accelerated atherosclerotic process in these individuals. (Atherosclerosis. 2011)

  • Lp(a) may be an important coronary risk marker in FH patients, in particular in combination with elevated LDL cholesterol levels among female subjects. (Atherosclerosis. 2011).

  • The inflammatory pattern in children with FH differs from that of adult subjects and identified selective upregulation of certain biomarkers as potential markers of early atherosclerosis. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2006:1;200-5; Atherosclerosis. 2011 Jan;214(1):163-8))

  • PBMC ex vivo models are sensitive modelsystems that can be used in clinical intervention studies to elucidate effects on inflammation. (Eur Heart J. 2003:24;1756-1762; Stroke. 2006;37:1731-6; Stroke. 2009;40:241-7).

  • FH patients have an enhanced inflammatory response which is dependent on smoking, gender and the presence of xanthomas (Eur Heart J. 2003:24;1756-1762).

  • Subjects with hyperhomocysteinemia are characterized by impaired inflammatory balance which is resored by folic acid treatment (Stroke. 2006;37:1731-6; Stroke. 2009;40:241-7; Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2002;22:699-703).

Dietary intervention studies

• We have shown that:

  • Intake oxidised fish oil does not influence established markers of oxidative stress. (Br. J. Nutr. 2011)

• Different fat quality have different impact on postprandial inflammation. (Br J Nutr 2011).