Molecular Internal Medicine

Molecular Biology

Sex hormones and atherosclerosis
Estrogens have been implicated in primary prevention of atherosclerosis in premenopausal women and lack of estrogen is associated with an increased risk to develop coronary artery disease in men. Observational studies have suggested that estrogen replacement therapy may reduce the risk for coronary artery disease. These data have been recently challenged by large-scale clinical studies (ERA, HERS, HERS II, WHI) using equine estrogens and methoxyprogesteroneacetate (MPA) replacement therapy in postmenopausal women with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. These studies turned out to be negative and showed an increased risk for subsequent cardiovascular events and thrombosis. It is currently unknown whether treatment of postmenopausal women with synthetic drugs can provide cardiovascular protection.


Disease Modifiers of Atherogenesis
Coronary heart disease and stroke are the most prevalent causes of death worldwide. Part of our research is aimed to identify and characterize new factors involved in the atherosclerosis process and to test their relevance for human disease. For our studies, we utilize transgenic models of disease and also generate our own transgenic models. We have recently identified and charaterized a secretase-like protein which plays a role in atherogenesis and inflammation. Further research in this area is ongoing.





All projects are part of our Swiss National Science Foundation-funded research