Clinical trials

The primary objective of this project is to validate a multi-modal systemic microvascular phenotyping platform-combining Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) and Sublingual Handheld Videomicroscopy (IDF imaging)-as a non-invasive surrogate for coronary microvascular function in women with ANOCA (Angina with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries). We aim to demonstrate that systemic microvascular signatures (microvascular reactivity and density) can predict coronary endotypes with high accuracy, potentially reducing the need for invasive diagnostics.

Rising life expectancy worldwide challenges public health due to increased cardiovascular disease linked to vascular aging, where microvascular dysfunction serves as an early indicator of system-wide inflammation, or "inflammaging". The proposed study aims to validate non-invasive, high-resolution techniques, such as Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging, to identify early endothelial senescence biomarkers and map their correlation with metabolic, inflammatory, and anthropometric profiles to advance personalized, preventive translational medicine.

Arterial hypertension (AH) has been identified as an important public health problem and considered a new epidemic with high mortality and morbidity. High blood pressure (BP) levels increase the chances of coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), stroke, chronic renal failure (CRF) and death. Beetroot powder may be an easier way to increase the availability of nitric oxide and consequently vasodilation in these patients. However, studies are needed to evaluate its benefits in patients with AH.

The evolution of systemic microvascular reactivity may aid in the comprehension of cardiovascular physiology in heart transplantation patients, and possibly suggest the non-invasive evaluation of skin microcirculation as an ancillary tool in the clinical evaluation of these patients.