A recent study of CIBERDEM (Network Biomedical Research Center) has identified a genetic variant, called RS1054564, in the GDF15 gene, which could be crucial to predict the risk of type 2 diabetes and subclinical atherosclerosis, a silent cardiovascular disease and without symptomsobvious.This finding, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, opens new possibilities for the development of personalized medicine strategies.


What does this discovery mean?

The GDF15 gene encodes a protein that regulates metabolic and immunological responses in the body.According to the study, people carrying the RS1054564 variant present:

- higher levels of GDF15 in blood.

- A 16 % increase in glucose levels.

- A 2.4 -time risk of developing atherosclerotic plates, which are an indicator of cardiovascular diseases.


In addition, this variant was associated with a higher frequency of type 2 diabetes between carriers.

GDF15 is related to the response to metabolic stress, which plays a role in the development of both diabetes and atherosclerosis.Although these results are promising, researchers warn that it will be necessary to expand studies in larger populations to validate their clinical applicability.According to researcher Montse Guardiola, first signature of work, this marker could be a key step towards personalized medicine in the prevention and treatment of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

This advance is part of the PIM04 intramural project of the CIBERDEM, led by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from institutions such as the Institut d’Estación Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV) and the University of Barcelona.The findings reinforce the commitment of cyberdem with the search for innovative solutions for high incidence chronic diseases.

The discovery of this genetic variant not only improves our understanding of the relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, but also could:

- Help identify people at greater risk before they develop these conditions.

- Facilitate the creation of more personalized and effective treatments.

- Open new paths for prevention in genetically predisposed patients.


💡 This finding underlines the importance of genetic research to improve public health and prevent chronic diseases that affect millions of people in the world.


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