Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in Japan, accounting for approximately 30% of total deaths. Although dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension are well-known risk factors for atherosclerosis, various dysregulated adipocytokines could influence the development of obesity-related cardiovascular disease.
To clarify the molecular mechanisms of and develop diagnostic methods for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, our group has been investigating autoimmune dyslipidemia and the novel biological functions of adiponectin.