Lipidomics in EPA medication and myocardial infarction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in the Western world. Platelets play a crucial role in developing thrombosis and subsequent vessel occlusion in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and are also involved in post-ischemic myocardial inflammation. Hyperlipoproteinemia is a strong risk factor for CVD, while the role of unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is controversial. The REDUCE-IT trial showed that icosapent ethyl (IPE), an omega-3 PUFA, significantly reduced cardiac risk in statin- treated patients with highly elevated triglycerides. However, high PUFA membrane content may adversely affect the cardiovascular system. In preliminary work, we revealed a new mechanism behind IPEs beneficial effects. Based on this, we hypothesize that enhanced platelet membrane EPA content improves outcomes after AMI, reducing inflammation and improving myocardial healing. A translational pilot study in STEMI patients will identify associations between EPA membrane PUFA content, derived mediators, and myocardial healing. Next-generation omics tools will be used for personalized risk management, identifying and predicting individual lipid biomarkers in platelet biology during AMI and nutritional treatment. The project involves Prof. Robert Ahrends (University of Vienna, Austria) and PD Dr. Amin Polzin (Heinrich Heine University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany) as primary researchers. The acquired datasets and computational models will pave the way for nutritional intervention after AMI.