Dr Elias Björnson, PhD

PhD degree of Medicine, Postdoctoral researcher at the Wallenberg laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

After studying Bioengineering at the Chalmers University of Technology, I joined Professor Jan Borén’s lab at the University of Gothenburg to begin my PhD studies in the area of lipoprotein metabolism. During my studies, I was in charge of developing new lipoprotein kinetic models. A kinetic model utilises experimental data from stable isotope studies for the purpose of quantifying lipoprotein fluxes. These models were designed to study both apoB100- and apoB48 containing lipoproteins, during postprandial conditions. We studied the characteristics of the hypertriglyceridemic state; and how apoB48-containing lipoproteins behave metabolically in relation to apoB100-containing particles. We also studied the effect of the two drugs Liraglutide and Evolocumab, on postprandial lipoprotein kinetics. I received my PhD degree of Medicine in 2021.

Currently, one of my main focuses is to apply Mendelian randomization methods to study the atherogenicity of apoB-containing lipoproteins. I am involved in work where we exploit the fact that both remnant lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) all contain one copy of apoB. By finding genetic variants that affect either of these particles, we’re working on methods to relate remnants, LDLs and Lp(a) to risk of coronary heart disease, and thereby quantify the relative atherogenic potentials of these apoB-containing lipoproteins. In addition, I am involved in research around the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS); with the main aim of characterizing the general-population prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis and develop prediction algorithms and risk stratification/screening tools. We are currently conducting a study with the aim of validating a previously developed coronary artery calcium score pre-screening tool. The overall aim of this research is to develop cost-effective population prevention programs.

Areas of special interest are i) apoB-containing lipoproteins in general and ii) triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and Lp(a) in particular, iii) Mendelian randomization studies of lipoproteins, and iv) the topic of early ASCVD prevention.