RESEARCHERS AND THEIR LABS

Catherine C. "Lynn" Hedrick, Ph.D. studies how immune cells influence cardiovascular complications of diabetes, particularly atherosclerosis. Patients with diabetes have increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and Dr Hedrick's laboratory focuses on how the diabetic environment contributes to early atherosclerotic plaque development. Specifically, her laboratory studies how elevated glucose and hyperlipidemia modulate immune cell function in the vessel wall.

Klaus Ley, M.D. studies the underlying factors that contribute to the disease atherosclerosis, and more specifically the chronic inflammatory response. His research has uncovered the role of leukocytes (cells of the immune system), and specifically the role of adhesion molecules, in the formation of these arterial plaques. Coronary artery disease, commonly referred to as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis or ischaemic heart disease, is the result of plaques that form in the major arteries supplying blood to the heart.

Dr. Klaus Ley is studying the immune response that happens as a result of the inflammation caused by the lung injury.  The first hours of the inflammation determine the progression and ultimate outcome of the disease.  Dr. Ley is working on the role of selectins in inhibiting the inflammatory response in the beginning stages, thus reducing the degree of disease infiltration. “You can get away with blocking the inflammation for a few hours, which may be enough to intervene and maintain oxygen flow,” said Ley.