| Start Date: | 8/31/2016 | Start Time: | 2:00 PM |
| End Date: | 8/31/2016 | End Time: | 4:00 PM |
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Event Description
BIOMED PhD Research Proposal
Title:
Development and Characterization of Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis
Speaker:
Jia Nong, PhD Candidate, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Advisor:
Yinghui Zhong, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of heart attack. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the artery wall. The inflamed cells release free radicals that produce a strong local oxidative environment where low density lipoproteins (LDLs) are oxidized. The modified LDL (oxLDL) particles are endocytosed by macrophages via scavenger receptors. As a result, the macrophages develop into lipid-laden foam cells. Foam cells play a pivotal role in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis by contributing to lipid accumulation, necrotic core expansion and further inflammatory amplification at the plaque sites. They eventually die and form part of the atherosclerotic plaque. In addition, high blood level of cholesterol has been suggested to be associated with high risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. Currently there is no effective therapy to treat atherosclerosis.
In this study, we developed novel multifunctional nanoparticles that can effectively 1) reduce LDL cholesterol level in the serum through binding to LDL cholesterol, 2) inhibit oxLDL uptake by macrophages, and 3) promote cholesterol efflux from foam cells. We also investigated the mechanism underlying nanoparticle-mediated cholesterol efflux. |
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Location:
Bossone Research Center, Room 709, located at 32nd and Market Streets. |
Audience:
Undergraduate StudentsGraduate StudentsFacultyStaff |
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