Endothelial extracellular vesicles as biomarkers of endothelial activation induced by changes in arterial pressure

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Priject acronim: HYPER-endoEV

Project number: 581-UNIOS-79 

Principal investigator: izv. prof. dr. sc. Ana Stupin
Funding source: European Union – NextGeneration EU
Project duration: 1 October 2025. to 30 September 2029.
Budget: 109.525,00 EUR

Project summary:
Arterial hypertension is associated with endothelial dysfunction and structural changes in the vascular system, which precede the clinical manifestation of the disease. Endothelial extracellular vesicles (EEV) represent a new, promising biomarker of endothelial activation and damage, but integrated studies examining their role in different populations with elevated arterial pressure, including adults, children, and pregnant women, are lacking. This project will test the hypothesis that elevated arterial pressure causes endothelial activation and dysfunction, which is reflected through changes in the concentration of circulating EEVs. Special emphasis is placed on subclinical changes and early detection of vascular damage. The project will be conducted on three groups of respondents - adults, children and pregnant women - normotensive and newly diagnosed (untreated) hypertension. The research includes functional assessment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation, isolation and quantification of EEVs, and analysis of biomolecular indicators of endothelial activation. The aim is to quantify and correlate the levels of EEVs with parameters of arterial pressure, vascular function and clinical risks, and to examine their value as early, non-invasive biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in at-risk populations. The results may improve the early detection and prevention of cardiovascular complications.