The research group lead by Professor Ilkka Tikkanen, Unit of Cardiovascular Research, Minerva Institute for Medical Research, Biomedicum 2U Helsinki, and Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, studies mechanisms and repair of end-organ damage in cardiovascular and renal diseases. The local expression of components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, other vasoactive factors and apoptosis in hypertension, heart failure, and in progression of renal damage has been studied. In addition, the cardiovascular and renal protective properties of new cardiovascular drugs have been evaluated. Recently, the research has focused on exploring the regenerative and reparative mechanisms of cardiac injury after myocardial infarction.