Research Overview
Research in our laboratory focuses on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, with particular interest on the role in which inflammatory processes contribute to this and other vascular diseases. More specifically, we are interested in elucidating the so-called mutual interplay which exists between those systems which regulate vascular homeostasis including the heme oxygenase (HO)-carbon monoxide (CO) axis, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived prostanoid generation. These molecular mediators are produced by multiple resident, as well as infiltrating cell types within the vessel wall. When the production and communication between these systems becomes disrupted, the vasculature becomes increasingly susceptible to injury, excessive inflammation and the development of pathologies such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and other cardiovascular complications.
