Researchers have identified several factors, including chronic hostility and a tendency to suppress emotion, that may predispose people to stress-related illnesses such as gastrointestinal problems and cardiovascular disease. A compounding factor is that cultures differ in the degree to which they expect members to show or suppress emotion, such as anger; yet little is known about the impact of culturally-mandated suppression of emotion on stress-related illnesses. Jeremy Anderson is examining how cultural and psychological factors may contribute to stress-related illnesses. His study involves provoking anger from two culturally distinct groups of participants, allowing just one of the groups to express the anger, and then comparing the stress responses from the groups by measuring blood pressure, heart rate and the stress hormone cortisol. The research will improve understanding of how culture affects stress-related illnesses and may also help in the design and targeting of healthy interventions for specific groups.
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The contribution of hepatic ABCA1 to HDL levels and composition, and suceptibility to atherosclerosis
Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death among Canadians. High cholesterol has been identified as a major risk factor for the disease. However, there are two kinds of cholesterol: LDL, the so-called “bad” cholesterol that has been linked to coronary artery disease, and HDL, the so-called “good” cholesterol that has been linked to lower incidence of heart disease. Currently, the medical community’s focus is on decreasing LDL levels, but more than fifty percent of people with premature coronary artery disease have low levels of HDL. A gene called ABCA1 has been identified as critical in the production of HDL, but there is still uncertainty about its function. ABCA1 exists in most tissues of the body, but some tissues – notably the liver – are particularly rich in it. Liam Brunham is investigating the role of ABCA1 in the liver and in the production of HDL. Learning about this gene will increase understanding of how the human body produces and uses cholesterol and how it responds to different diets.
The role of the stem cell antigen, CD34, on mature murine mast cells
In earlier research supported by a MSFHR Masters Trainee Award, Erin Drew disproved theories that CD34, a cell surface protein, was specific to immature blood cells. She found CD34 on immature blood cells, but also on cells lining the blood vessels and on mast cells. Mast cells are known to play a pivotal role in allergic and asthmatic responses. Erin’s work now focuses on CD34’s function in mast cells and how the protein prevents inappropriate adhesion to other cells and tissues. These enquiries will increase new knowledge on how blood cells move around the body and how mast cells can invade tissues and respond to allergens. Ultimately, Erin hopes her work will lead to the identification of targets for the treatment of allergies and asthma.
Factors impeding the success of HIV antiretroviral therapy today: Genetic variation, viral evolution and drug resistance, and cellular reservoirs of HIV
Revolutionary new therapies for HIV/AIDS introduced in the mid-1990s have helped to dramatically reduce deaths resulting from HIV infection. However, despite these advances, the prospect of a cure for HIV infection remains a distant goal. Drawing on the expertise at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Zabrina Brumme is researching the genetic factors that may influence HIV disease progression and individual response to therapies, with the goal of better optimizing and tailoring HIV therapy to each patient. Zabrina will also study “viral reservoirs,” cell types that are believed to “hide” HIV for long periods of time over the course of the infection. This project could lead to anti-HIV therapies directed specifically against viral reservoirs, increasing the chance of survival and improving the quality of life for HIV patients.
Trauma, dissociation and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in violent offenders: The cycle of violence revisited
Research indicates that many violent crime offenders have been victims of violent crime. Many develop stress-related psychiatric disorders, such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, as a response to perpetrating or being victimized by violent crime. Barry Cooper’s earlier research focused on the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms and their effect on memory in victims of violent crimes. Now he is examining the complex factors that contribute to the development, severity, and maintenance of the condition in violent crime offenders. His research involves interviewing violent crime offenders incarcerated in BC and developing an extensive database detailing factors such as their personality characteristics, history of trauma, severity and type of violence, use of alcohol or other substances, and memories of their crimes and traumatic experiences. The results will help refine assessment techniques and treatment programs for violent offenders, leading to improved rehabilitation and a lower rate of violent offences.
Focused attention, exploration and heart rate at 8-months in relation to prematurity and maternal interaction
Premature infants spend critical periods of early development in neonatal intensive care. The stress and pain experienced as part of early medical care can lead to the disorganization of infant behaviour or physiologic states, which may reflect risk for adverse neurodevelopment. Research links early stress to changes in brain stress circuits and heart rate regulation and follow-up studies show that high-risk premature infants have a high incidence of attention related deficits. Julianne Petrie-Thomas is examining the complex relationships between behavioural and physiological regulation of attention by studying focused attention and patterns of heart rate in premature infants at 8-months compared with term-born controls. As the infant’s interactions with its mother play an essential role in the regulation of behavioural as well as internal physiological systems, she is also studying the effects of maternal-infant interaction on infants’ behaviour and physiology. The findings could fill major gaps in understanding of how attention problems develop in premature infants and lead to interventions that significantly improve the developmental outcomes of these vulnerable babies.
Parents' attitudes, intentions and behaviours regarding medication adherence for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a persistent childhood disorder that affects about five per cent of children. Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity at developmentally inappropriate levels. Numerous studies have shown that stimulant medication is the safest and most effective treatment for ADHD. Optimum treatment for ADHD usually requires two to three doses a day, generally administered by parents. But up to 80 per cent of parents frequently fail to give their child the medication as directed by a health professional. Douglas Scoular is examining parents’ beliefs, attitudes and intentions about giving their children stimulant medication for ADHD to determine why parents fail to administer the medication. This research will provide important information on parents’ concerns about administering stimulant medication, help predict which parents will be successful in following the treatment regimen, and ultimately help improve health care providers’ ability to successfully treat children with ADHD.
Impact of delayed childbearing in BC, Canada
Women in developed societies around the world increasingly delay childbearing until the age of 35 or older. In BC, women who are 35 or older account for about 8,000 births a year. There has been little research into the effects of delayed childbearing, and studies that have been undertaken produced contrasting results. Some research suggested an increased risk of complications and other studies showed no greater risk. No research has compared differences in rural and urban settings. Sarka Lisonkova is investigating the impact of delayed childbearing on pregnancy outcomes and infants’ need for health care services in their first year. Using information on 200,000 births across the province from the BC Perinatal Database Registry, Sarka is comparing outcomes and health care utilization from births among 20 to 34-year-old mothers with those 35 and older. She is also reviewing the effect of risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as smoking and fertility problems. The research could help improve prenatal counselling and risk assessment in prenatal care.
Functional analysis of the CD34-related molecule, MEP21, in adhesion and stem cell differentiation
Once organisms are fully developed, stem cells are the basis for replenishing cells that wear out or are otherwise destroyed in the normal course of living. Researchers are now looking for ways of identifying and manipulating stem cells to regenerate organs or tissues such as heart muscle, liver, brain or the surface of the lung and digestive tract that have degenerated due to disease. The most well studied stem cells to date, are hematopoietic stem cells, which are produced in the bone marrow and are the precursors from which all blood cells develop. Dr. Kelly McNagny’s laboratory discovered MEP21, a molecule that appears to have a close connection to stem cells since its activation correlates closely with the appearance of stem cells in tissues. This suggests that the molecule may be involved in stem cell production and the processes by which stem cells grow differentially to become a specific type of tissue. Dr. McNagny’s research has shown that MEP21 is required for survival – i.e., mice lacking the molecule die shortly after birth. He is now studying its role in activating adult stem cells, with the goal of finding new ways of purifying and using stem cells to regenerate tissues.
Appropriate uses of genetic information in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis
Genetic testing confirms the presence or absence of genes associated with the development of various diseases. Early detection of these genes sometimes enables physicians to recommend interventions that can help to delay onset of disease or prevent the most serious symptoms. The downside, however, is that many of the diseases that are detectable through genetic testing have no treatments or cures. This creates serious ethical and other considerations about when and how such tests should be administered. Dr. Susan Cox is studying the potential benefits and harms of using genetic information to diagnose, treat and prevent two common and devastating chronic diseases: autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Increased availability of genetic screening for ADPKD may have implications for routine screening of people at risk for the disease and for assessing potential kidney donors. The discovery of a gene influencing the severity of some forms of RA may prove to be clinically useful in tailoring drug therapies to persons diagnosed with the condition. Dr. Cox is documenting and comparing perspectives on these developments from patients, families, health care professionals and non-profit agencies. She will use this information to develop criteria for the appropriate use of genetic information in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ADPKD and RA. Results from the study will also be relevant to other genetic and hereditary diseases.