This unit brings together a multidisciplinary group of researchers, in the UBC departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medicine and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, whose efforts are directed at developing effective strategies and interventions to prevent, detect and treat heart, lung and blood vessel diseases. The researchers are particularly interested in discovering how interactions between genetic and environmental factors lead to the development of particular disease manifestations, including variations in susceptibility to these diseases, severity of symptoms and the rate at which symptoms progress.
Continue reading “The James Hogg iCAPTURE Centre for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research”
The overall goal of this unit is to make breakthroughs in the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer by focusing on the role and therapeutic promise of stem cells. Studies will focus on defining molecular pathways that govern stem cell renewal, viability, their development into specific types of cells (such as bone and blood) and their ability to multiply in a variety of body tissue. Researchers are particularly interested in understanding how inherited and acquired gene mutations may influence these processes and contribute to the development of cancer.
Continue reading “Terry Fox Laboratory”
The Centre for Blood Research (CBR) applies contemporary methods of biotechnology to the study of blood and blood processing to enhance the Canadian blood system. This unit brings together the CBR and UBC’s Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, a campus-wide resource for physically characterizing biological macromolecules (such as those that make up blood) through advanced instrument/technology research, development and support. With the clustering of clinical scientists, basic scientists and engineers in one space, this unit is uniquely positioned to create new, fundamental and practical knowledge in transfusion science.
Continue reading “Centre for Blood Research and Laboratory for Molecular Biophysics”
Despite the fact that chronic kidney disease almost always presents warning signs, 30-50 percent of new renal patients in BC “crash” onto dialysis or are referred late for assessment of kidney disease. Both scenarios are associated with increased morbidity (severity of symptoms), increased hospital stays, reduced opportunities for more ambulatory modes of care, such as peritoneal dialysis or early kidney transplant, and increased mortality (incidence of death). There is much to be learned about the range of possible determinants that may influence renal patients’ ability to access treatment. Nancy Blythe will investigate the social determinants of health of 1300 renal patients who initiated dialysis in BC in 2001-2002. Her aim is to determine whether certain social structural barriers in society (availability of social support, adequate income, etc.) constrains patients from seeking treatment before their chronic illness advances to an acute stage, resulting in late referral to the health system or the onset of dialysis under emergency conditions. Subsequently she will study whether those same social barriers and suboptimal initial access negatively influence ongoing access to dialysis as well as morbidity and mortality. It is anticipated that the research results will contribute to better ways of assisting renal patients to obtain optimal access to this life support treatment.
There is little published information about Canadian children with HIV especially about the health-related needs of adolescents. Yet it is during this period when they begin dealing with issues such as disclosure, psychosocial therapy, HIV prevention and sexual health, that support is most needed. Sarah Fielden is examining the health needs of children with HIV and developing strategies to meet them. Her research involves conducting focus groups with children and adolescents, families and service providers to capture a range of perspectives on this issue, and to specifically explore factors in the health system and community that allow children and adolescents to “live positively”. Sarah’s aim is to help improve the health and health care of children with HIV, and assist health care providers, academics, organizations and families in developing effective, age-appropriate interventions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
