Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as heart attacks and strokes, remain one of the world’s biggest health problems. They often develop when fatty deposits build up inside arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. This thesis looks at two proteins that may play a role in this process: PCSK9 and CaSR. PCSK9 is well known for its link to cholesterol levels, but it may also affect the heart in other ways not yet fully understood. CaSR, on the other hand, has now been studied extensively in cardiology, and its exact role in atherosclerosis is still unclear. Using both laboratory and animal studies, this thesis explores how these proteins influence cholesterol, inflammation, and artery health. The findings suggest that their effects depend on the type of cell involved, highlighting the need for more targeted research. Overall, this work provides new insights and opens the door to future therapies for CVDs.
| Original language | English |
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| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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| Supervisors/Advisors |
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| Award date | 4 Sept 2025 |
| Place of Publication | Maastricht |
| Publisher | |
| Print ISBNs | 9789465225210 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 4 Sept 2025 |
Keywords
- Atherosclerosis
- PCSK9
- CaSR
- Inflammation