The Genoa Vascular Biobank: A Today Resource for Future Perspectives in Vascular Research

Biological knowledge and patient care have been significantly improved by the emergence of big data analysis and -omics sciences, requiring high quality standards for biospecimen and data collection. Biobanks are complex and dynamic units designated to fulfill these needs.

The Genoa Vascular Biobank (GTB-VD) is a collaborative network between the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino (Centre of Biological Resources), and the University of Genoa (Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Unit; Anatomic Pathology Unit; Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Vascular Biology). This work describes workflow, ethic and governance requirements, demographic and clinical characteristics of subjects enrolled in the GTB-VD, and the volume of open or endovascular surgical interventions.

The GTB-VD recruits patients undergoing surgical repair for carotid artery stenosis (CS) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), enrolled on the basis of selection criteria and subdivided for pathology and type of intervention, upon informed consent.

Biospecimens comprise serum, plasma, whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and urine (from AAA only), stored at -80°C; lesions from open surgeries are frozen and formalin fixed paraffin embedded. Samples are associated with donor's clinical data through pseudonymization to prevent patient identification. Data accuracy and sample quality are ensured by harmonized standard operative procedures.

From 2018 to the end of 2023, 442 CS (distinguished into severe-asymptomatic or symptomatic, displaying a ratio of 5:1) and 214 AAA have been collected. CS is more frequently associated with diabetes and peripheral artery diseases, AAA with pulmonary history, and renal function impairment. Open surgery is more used for CS and endovascular for AAA.

The GTB-VD, as organized, represents an "unicum" in our Country; it supports studies to identify molecular targets and biomarkers associated with specific arteriopathy, for developing secondary prevention strategies and minimally invasive, in situ therapies. Collaborative studies and sample sharing are welcome.