Cardiovascular Sciences Research
Houston Methodist’s culture of innovation is rooted in the translational medicine practiced by renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Michael E. DeBakey. Dr. DeBakey’s cardiovascular surgery breakthroughs revolutionized patient care worldwide. Our physicians and scientists continue to advance cardiovascular medicine and cardiothoracic and vascular surgery through the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences research
Our investigators advanced the field of stem cell therapy by showing that innate immune pathways are critical in the reprogramming process that changes somatic cells back to a stem-cell state, called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
The Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration is developing methods for direct reprogramming, to induce transdifferentiation of one somatic type cell into another cell type for therapeutic applications in healing.
The Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration has developed technology to rapidly and efficiently produce iPS endothelial cells (iPSC-ECs), which can generate capillaries and improve perfusion in models of peripheral arterial disease..
Another approach to cardiovascular regeneration is to extend the telomeric DNA, so as to increase the replicative capacity and function of the cell.
The nitric oxide biology laboratory in the Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration focuses on the role of nitric oxide (NO)/dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) in the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.
Current defibrillation methods involve external defibrillator paddles that deliver a powerful electrical shock to the heart that can be extremely painful to the patient. Dr. Miguel Valderrábano and colleagues are working to develop and test a novel method of cardiac stimulation and defibrillation that involves nanosecond megavolt pulse technology.
Many studies have demonstrated that the body’s immune response and subsequent inflammation contribute to the progression of chronic heart failure. Dr. Guillermo Torre-Amione and his research team believe this to be true, and have conducted numerous studies of their own that confirm this finding and suggest novel immune modulatory therapies.
Platelet aggregation plays an important role in acute coronary syndromes, and contributes to the common complications associated with surgical and catheterization procedures.
The center produces a seminar series "Frontiers in Cardiovascular Sciences" which brings internationally recognized physicians and scientists to Houston Methodist.
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