Cardiovascular diseases are still a major health problem worldwide. During the last fifty years, researchers at the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital have built a worldwide well-known top level research profile in cardiovascular diseases, starting from the famous North Karelia project and basic epidemiology which have in the last decade been transformed into state-of-the art modern vascular biology, angiogenesis computational epidemiology and pioneering gene therapy approaches in cardiovascular diseases. Also, top level modern imaging and world-recognized ATMP product manufacturing have been developed in our National Virus Vector Laboratory Infrastructure which greatly supports current research focus in cardiovascular diseases. Long-term epidemiological follow-up cohorts, Young Finns study and Kuopio Ischemic Heart study, started already in the 1980s and give excellent opportunities to monitor changing patterns of cardiovascular epidemiology and to conduct modern genetic and computational epidemiological studies.
Our Research Topics include:
- Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGFs)
- Transcriptional profiling of CVDs and epigenetics
- Gene regulation by non-coding RNAs and microRNAs in CVDs
- Development, regulation, and new treatments of atherogenesis
- Modelling and novel treatments for heart failure
- Modelling and novel treatments for ischemic heart disease
- Valvular diseases
- Aortic dilatation
- Cardiac fibrosis
- Atrial fibrillation
- Aneurysms and other vascular malformations such as AVMs
- Novel biodegradable and drug-eluting stents
- Precision catheter-based treatments
- Novel imaging methods: advanced 4D MRI, hyperpolarized MRI, CT, PET, and ultrasound imaging
- Effectiveness of treatment
- CVD epidemiology and follow-up studies (KIHD, YFS).
The next Annual Symposium of the CVD RC will be held on the 25th of September 2025, see the Event below for more information.
Our greatest strength is from bench to bedside approach to research. We have the knowledge and facilities for developing new, innovative therapeutic solutions that can be first tested in small and large animal models before moving to clinical trials. Having the National Virus Vector Laboratory, in vitro and in vivo research facilities and Kuopio University Hospital within the same campus area, gives us an excellent platform for translational research.
Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
Professor
