Unraveling macro- and microvascular stiffness in disease: standardization of protocols using pressure myograph system

• Grant number: 24/19240-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Maria Andréia Delbin
• Grantee: Maria Andréia Delbin
• Principal researcher abroad: Aaron Trask
• Institution abroad: Nationwide Children's Hospital, United States
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Ana Paula Couto Davel ; Luciana Venturini Rossoni
• Associated research grant: 22/09111-9 - Effects of aerobic exercise training on perivascular adipose tissue in obese female mice: evaluation of vascular function and biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and senescence, AP.R

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally and are one of the costliest chronic diseases. Most CVDs can be prevented by addressing behavioural and environmental risk factors. Effective research, prevention, and treatment strategies are needed to limit the growing burden of CVDs. Over the years, microvascular dysfunction has been recognized as an early marker of CVDs and a key feature of several clinical manifestations. In addition, macrovascular dysfunction, including aortic stiffness, is an independent risk factor for stroke, heart disease, overall cardiovascular mortality and cognitive decline. The development of techniques and standardization of protocols to assess macro- and microvascular stiffness can elucidate the key role of these vascular changes in the evolution of CVD damage. In this context, pressure myography is a common technique to study ex vivo stiffness and closely mimics physiological conditions, since vessels are under pressure in vivo. The main aim in this collaboration will be to improve the techniques and standardization of protocols using pressure myograph system (DMT114P and DMT112PP) to investigate macro- and microvascular structure and function with flowmeter (FlowMeter 162FM), including aorta, carotid, coronary, cerebral and resistance mesenteric arteries. (AU)