The role of renal impairment in atherosclerotic inflammation

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Sibylle von Vietinghoff
• Subject Area: Nephrology
• Term: from 2013 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 237496657

Impaired renal function affects a large proportion of the population. It conveys a significantly increased risk of death, especially from cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes that are caused by atherosclerosis. Chronic inflammation of the arterial wall, invasion by inflammatory leukocytes and their local proliferation and differentiation are important steps in atherosclerosis development. In patients with renal disease, atherosclerosis research has mostly focused on altered hemodynamics and mineral metabolism. The inflammatory vascular leukocyte infiltrate in renal impairment has not been systematically explored. My preliminary data show an increase in leukocytes, especially myeloid cells, in atherosclerosis and renal impairment. The proposed project will test the hypothesis that Interleukin 17 is mechanistically involved in enhanced atherosclerosis in renal impairment. The impact of IL-17 on vascular infiltration, differentiation and proliferation on monocytes and macrophages will be tested in vitro and in a murine atherosclerosis model with impaired renal function. Global and cell specific IL-17 and Il-17 receptor deficient mice will be investigated.The results could identify mechanisms responsible for aggravation of atherosclerotic inflammation in impaired renal function and help to optimize treatment for this large group of patients at high risk of cardiovascular complications.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants