E40: Patrick Rensen

In this episode of AtheroTalk, we are delighted to host Prof. Patrick C. N. Rensen from Leiden University Medical Center, Professor of Endocrinology and a leading researcher in cardiometabolic science. His work focuses on inter-organ crosstalk in glucose and lipid metabolism and its implications for cardiovascular and metabolic disease. By listening to Prof. Rensen’s scientific journey and translational perspective, we explore how experimental models can help us better understand cardiometabolic disease, from the APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mouse model to emerging heart-on-chip technologies. We also discuss the fascinating role of brown adipose tissue in human cardiometabolic health, strategies to enhance its function, and some of the common misconceptions surrounding it. The conversation further takes us into the interplay between circadian rhythms and metabolism, as well as the translational potential of ongoing clinical studies such as CoolBAT and TikTac. Beyond science, Prof. Rensen also shares his perspective on teaching, scientific communication, and the lessons that can be learned from ideas and projects that do not always go as planned. ————————————————— Script-prep: Hana Bartuskova Interviewer: Yusuf Ziya Sener