Professor Magnus Bäck presenting his research at KI Discovers seminar
Magnus Bäck at our department was selected for presenting his research at a Karolinska Institutet Discovers seminar.
We asked Professor Magnus Bäck to describe the studies, and why they are important.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be protective for heart disease, and this study was the first to implicate a possible role for them in valvular heart disease. Specifically, we discovered that the possible protective mechanisms of Omega-3 fatty acids in aortic stenosis involved metabolism into bioactive lipid mediators, which mediated the resolution of inflammation in aortic valves through a specific receptor.
How was the study performed?
We showed that lower levels of Omega-3 fatty acids associated with an accelerated disease progression in patients with aortic stenosis. Omega-3 fatty acids decreased hemodynamic and morphological signs of aortic stenosis in disease models by stimulating the resolution of inflammation.
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a professor of Cardiology at the Department of Medicine, Solna, and research group leader of Translational Cardiology at the Center for Molecular Medicine. Clinically, I work at the Department of Cardiology at the Karolinska University Hospital in Huddinge. Recently my engagements extended to be Editor-in-Chief for the new cardiology journal European Heart Journal Open.
What significance may the findings have for the patients?
We have generated strong translational support for a therapeutic potential of Omega-3 fatty acids in patients with aortic stenosis, which can provide the groundwork for future clinical trials.