Research team
The role of sclerostin in vascular calcification and the calcification paradox: necassary research for development of safe therapies to treat mineralization defects in bone and vessels.
Abstract
The current project aims to elucidate the role of sclerostin in vascular calcification and its complex relationship with disturbed physiological bone mineralization, in particular in patients with chronic kidney disease. This research is necassary in order to develop safe therapies for these pathologies.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: D'Haese Patrick
- Co-promoter: Behets Geert
- Co-promoter: Verhulst Anja
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Role of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) in collagen metabolism and dipeptide homeostasis.
Abstract
This project aims to unravel the effects of DPP4 inhibition on collagen and collagen-derived dipeptide metabolism. We will develop and validate methods to quantify, in biological matrices, dipeptides resulting from DPP4 mediated cleavage. Next, the effects of DPP4 inhibition on the collagen metabolism and the dipeptide profile will be studied in vitro in fibroblast and osteoblast cultures. The in vivo relevance of our findings will be evaluated by studying the effects of long-term DPP4 inhibition in vivo in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. The focus will be on cardiac and renal collagen metabolism and dipeptide levels in plasma, urine and tissues.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Meester Ingrid
- Co-promoter: Behets Geert
- Co-promoter: Covaci Adrian
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The calcification paradox: investigation into the mechanisms underlying the association between metabolic bone disease and vascular calcification.
Abstract
Objectives: 1. Investigation of the association between vascular calcification and histomorphometric bone changes in osteoporotic rats with normal and impaired renal function by means of serial in vivo micro-CT scan and histomorphometric analysis of the bone. 2. Investigation of the role of the bone turnover rate and the effect of the bisphosphonate compound zoledronic acid on the development of uremia-related vascular calcification in different experimental models of renal osteodystrophy.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: D'Haese Patrick
- Co-promoter: Behets Geert
- Co-promoter: De Clerck Nora
- Co-promoter: Persy Veerle
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project