Interactions between adipose tissue, vascular wall and myocardium in human atherosclerosis

Research summary

Obesity is one of the main risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) and heart attacks. However, the biological role of fat (adipose) tissue in our body is not completely understood. We aim to investigate the relationships between molecules produced by adipose tissue and the risk of developing CHD and heart attacks by examining several key mechanisms involved, such as oxidative stress (the production of toxic free radicals) inside the blood vessel wall and in the heart muscle (myocardium). Patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass operation will be approached to participate in this study on a voluntary basis. Before the operation, assessments of blood vessel and heart function will be performed non-invasive, ultrasound techniques. During the operation, a small biopsy of fatty tissue will be taken from different parts of the body; surplus surgical materials from the operation (vascular graft segments, heart muscle tissue) from the operation will be collected and stored. After the operation, the study participants will be followed up for the duration of the hospital stay and any complication from the surgery will be recorded. Patients undergoing bypass surgery will also be invited for a CT-angiography follow-up visit, for graft patency. Many state-of-the-art laboratory techniques will be involved to analyse the samples collected from this study, including the latest genetic testing methods. By combining the measures of blood vessel and heart function and laboratory assessment of the tissue samples collected from the same patient, we will be able to evaluate the relationships between adipose tissue, blood vessel / heart function, and their influence on the outcome after coronary bypass surgery. The proposed study receives funding from British Heart Foundation, and the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital which is the only recruitment site.

Principal Investigator

Prof Charalambos Antoniades

Contact us

Email: cvm_nurses@cardiov.ox.ac.uk

IRAS number

77489