Biochemical and biomechanical investigation of aortic tissue

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Biochemical and biomechanical investigation of aortic tissue

  • IRAS ID

    333745

  • Contact name

    Jillian Madine

  • Contact email

    j.madine@liverpool.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Liverpool

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    4 years, 11 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    Thoracic aortic aneurysm/aortic dissection (TAAD) manifests a devastating clinical course if undiagnosed and untreated. The major mortality and morbidity associated with TAAD lies with acute dissection or rupture; both of these are very difficult to predict. This project brings together inter-disciplinary expertise covering biomechanics, biochemistry and mathematical modelling to better understand the role of tissue mechanics, extracellular matrix factors, amyloid deposition, inflammation and clinical characteristics in TAAD. The project aims to:
    - Further our understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms contributing to TAAD with acute aortic dissection or rupture.
    - Develop a mathematical model which can help better predict disease manifestation.
    - Develop a biomarker detection tool which can be used in a clinical setting to diagnose disease using patient blood samples.
    - Develop a point-of-care testing technique that can assist in predicting post-operative prognosis.
    - Characterise biomechanical and biochemical properties of aortic tissue, and comparison with synthetic graft materials and diseased tissue.

  • REC name

    Wales REC 7

  • REC reference

    25/WA/0094

  • Date of REC Opinion

    14 Mar 2025

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion