Reivindicaciones
1. CLAIMS 1. In vitro method for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis which comprises measuring the level of ALDH4A1 or the level of antibodies anti-ALDH4Al in a sample obtained from the subject, wherein a significantly higher level of ALDH4A1 or of antibodies anti-ALDH4Al which respect to the level measured in healthy control subjects, is indicative that the patient is suffering from atherosclerosis. 2. In vitro method, according to claim 1, wherein the sample is plasma, serum or blood. 3. In vitro method, according to any of the previous claims, wherein the presence of atherosclerosis is confirmed by an arteriogram, cholesterol tests, a chest x- ray, a computed tomography scan, duplex scanning, an echocardiogram, an electrocardiogram, a cardiac stress test, an intravascular ultrasound, a magnetic resonance imaging scan, a tomography scan or a pharmacologic stress test. 4. In vitro method, according to any of the previous claims, wherein the antibody anti-ALDH4Al is selected from: A12, A4, A5, B10, B8 and C5 of Table 1 and Table 2. 5. In vitro use of ALDH4A1 or an antibody anti-ALDH4Al for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. 6. In vitro use of ALDH4A1 or an antibody anti-ALDH4Al for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis, according to claim 5, wherein the presence of atherosclerosis is confirmed by an arteriogram, cholesterol tests, a chest x-ray, a computed tomography scan, duplex scanning, an echocardiogram, an electrocardiogram, a cardiac stress test, an intravascular ultrasound, a magnetic resonance imaging scan, a tomography scan or a pharmacologic stress test. 7. In vitro use, according to any of the claims 5 or 6, wherein the antibody anti- ALDH4A1 is selected from: A12, A4, A5, B10, B8 and C5 of Table 1 and Table 2 8. Antibody or antibody fragment specifically binding to ALDH4A1 for use in a method for in vivo imaging of atherosclerosis lesions in a patient or for in vivo diagnosis of atherosclerosis. 9. Antibody for use, according to claim 8, selected from: A12, A4, A5, B10, B8 and C5 of Table 1 and Table 2. 10. Antibody for use, according to any of the claims 8 or 9, wherein the method comprises the visualization of the atherosclerosis lesions by detection of the antibody previously administered to the patient. 11. Antibody for use, according to any of the claims 9 to 10, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) Intravenous injection of the antibody for in vivo imaging into the patient, b) Visualization of the atherosclerosis lesions by detection of the antibody of step a) in the patient. 12. Kit adapted for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis which comprises: a. An antibody specifically binding to ALDH4A1; b. Reagents or means for the detection of the antibody of step a).
