[DIYbio] Fwd: Possible Project: : Atherosclerosis screening test.

from the sydney gentleman biohacking league..

From: yianni.997 <yianni.997@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Sep 27, 2012 at 5:59 AM
Subject: Possible Project: : Atherosclerosis screening test.
To: biohacksyd@googlegroups.com


Hi guys, it has taken me a while to contribute to this group since our
last meeting due to life. However, thought id share a project I have
been thinking about. I will try to explain things in simple terms to
cater for those from a non-bio background.

I am interested in gathering a group of people from a variety of
disciplines to develop a screening test for atherosclerosis (explained
simply below) using venous blood.

Details of the problem:
*Atherosclerosis is a disease that affects artery walls.
*Fat and cholesterol accumulate within the vessel wall.
* As lipids oxidise, white blood cells migrate to oxidised lipids and
ingest them.
*WBC become foam cells and initiate inflammation around that area.
*Inflammation promotes blood platelet aggregation. When combined with
the buildup of fatty plaques, and contributes to the occlusion of the
vessel.
*Total occlusion of the vessel or an embolus (fragment breaking off
and traveling down stream) can lead to clots, strokes and heart
attacks.
*CV disease is a global cause of morbidity and mortality, and one of
the leading killers in Australia.

This process can occur over several years. Currently, the only
monitoring programs for patients include
*Cholesterol blood tests and lipid assays.
*Well recognized risk factors (genetic Hx, lifestyle, smoking,
drinking, diet etc)

Often the only confirmation of an atherosclerotic plaque (beyond
intrusive angiography) is the development of cardiovascular symptoms,
which is often too late.

I am interested in exploring possible quantitative markers in the
blood that may be indicative of atherosclerotic leisons forming.
Ideally, a cheap and sensitive test to develop as a screening test is
something that has not yet been developed.
If you are interested in this project, I have already begun gathering
literature and contacts in a few labs that focus on lipid metabolism.
It would be great to get a variety of perspectives on this problem
whilst we as a group build momentum and get organized.

Peace to you.
-Y


[Since this group is public, it should be clear: No experimentation,
trials or sample collections have been conducted yet. This is just a
call to action for those interested to begin thinking about the
problem stated above].

--




--
- Bryan
http://heybryan.org/
1 512 203 0507

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