The investigation of cardiovascular health and disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of blood cells for research into cardiovascular disease
IRAS ID
283854
Contact name
Francisco Rivero Crespo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hull
Duration of Study in the UK
10 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Platelets are key blood cells that help to maintain a healthy blood vessel system. They have multiple roles from clumping together at site of injury to form a blood clot and prevent bleeding, to “scanning” the blood system for foreign disease-causing pathogens (e.g. bacteria, viruses) or damage-associated products (e.g. fat deposits, dead or damaged cells). In response to these agents, they release chemicals that “communicate” with leukocytes (“white defence cells”) and the vessel wall. However, there are a number of situations in which platelet activation leads or contributes to diseases like heart attack, atherothrombosis, infective endocarditis, sepsis, and diabetes), which have a huge incidence in both the developed and developing worlds. One way in which platelets can cause damage is by forming clots inside the blood vessels (thrombosis) that may lead to heart attacks or strokes; a second way is by contributing to an unbalanced interaction between blood cells (leukocytes and erythrocytes) and the vascular wall. \n\nIn these projects, we aim to further understand how platelets and red and white blood cells work in response to changes in the vascular environment. This will involve understanding the cellular processes in healthy blood and how drug treatments may affect the functions of cells within. To conduct this research, we will use blood cells and plasma isolated from healthy, consenting participants. A better understanding of the regulation of platelet activation is key to understanding how best to combat more effectively cardiovascular and infectious diseases. Furthermore, this research will help to pave the way for the development of new drugs to prevent or modulate these life-threatening conditions.\n
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0215
Date of REC Opinion
2 Aug 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion