Our central purpose is to develop therapies to treat atherosclerosis and promote cardiovascular regeneration. Such work will be performed in collaboration with the Clinical, Translational, Inflammation and Immunobiology Groups within the HRI, drawing upon their expertise in these areas of research.
By reducing atherosclerotic plaque build up, we aim to reduce death and disability associated with heart and lower limb arterial disease. Also, by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels in patients with arterial blockages, our work aims to reduce symptoms associated with insufficient blood supply to the heart and legs.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors are widey used in the treatment of cancer and diabetic eye disease, however population studies have suggested off target adverse cardiovascular events. In this study, we aim to characterise their putative pro-atheroscerotic properties
Building on our previous findings, we aim to characterise novel inflammatory mediators in patients presenting with heart attacks, as well as study the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs in this setting. These studies will be conducted in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory, where invasive cardiac blood sampling will be performed