Name Responsible Activity "Cardiovascular diseases (CARDIOVASC)" "Hein Heidbuchel" "Currently active lines of resarch are: - Clinical evaluation of percutaneous treatment modalities for structural heart diseases, and prognostic stratification of patients who are candidate for or who are undergoing structural heart interventions (TAVI; MitraClip; …); - Study of ischemia-reperfusion injury during acute myocardial infarction with identification of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and with the development and the testing of potential treatment strategies that could prevent/attenuate the reperfusion injury; - Study of biomarkers in cardiology aiming at improving the diagnosis and treatment of several cardiovascular diseases, such as acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, heart transplantation. - individualised patient and family management for cardiogenetic conditions, including individualised in vitro expression of mutations and characterisation of phenotypic expression in standard cell lines or in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) - individualised ablation approach for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, based on novel mapping and ablation strategies, combining both substrate and functional measures (like fibrosis mapping + rotor mapping). - innovative care pathways for optimised care for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) through the setup of a multidisciplinary AF clinic, studying the impact of different closed loop pathways (e.g. tailored education; e.g. mHealth education; e.g. PROM assessment; e.g. adherence tele monitoring for NOAC patients; …) - sports cardiology research, focusing both on younger athletes (e.g. epigenetics of ARVC; creation of a EU registry on athletes with LV scarring; e.g. characterisation of arrhythmia subforms in athletes) and master athletes (e.g. long-term changes in the sports heart; e.g. prevalence of subclinical coronary atheromathosis and peripheral vascular dysfunction) - heart failure with combined in vitro and in vivo evaluation of endothelial dysfunction, epigenetics studies, hemodynamics, and studies on the effect of exercise/rehabilitation, both in patients with reduced and preserved LV ejection fraction (HFrEF and HFpEF) - evaluation, management and follow-up of patients with grown-up congenital heart disease, studying specific prognostic markers, multidisciplinary care needs and effect of cardiac rehabilitation - Invasive evaluation and treatment of coronary artery disease: prospective physiologic evaluation of left main (PHYNAL), spontaneous coronary artery dissections (SCAD), invasive support in cardiogenic shock, novel stent platforms and treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTO) in patients with persistent ischemia/angina." "Cardio-vascular diseases" "Mark La Meir" "In the UZ Brussel the 4 departments of Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, the Heart Rhythm Management Center and Vascular Surgery, decided to cluster their efforts into the cluster CHVZ in 2009. The objectives were to optimalize the clinical care of patients with cardio-vascular diseases. The research group ""Centrum Hart-en Vaatziekten"" - CHVZ - was created in 2010 with the objective to centralize the research in 2 main research topics and to extend further the fundamental and translational research in these 2 research lines: a. Cardiac Imaging for a Better Understanding of Cardiovascular Diseases b. Ion-channel Disorders: from Genetics to the Clinic The research group CHVZ is a young group without ""research tradition"" at the VUB. For this reason major collaboration was realized with two other research groups to obtain the objectives of fundamental and translational research. For cardiac imaging (research line 1) a collaboration with BEFY with its Small Animal Lab was started since 2006. Objectives were to elucidate the mechanisms of drug induced valvulopathy and to understand the mechanisms leading to the evolution from aortic valve sclerosis towards aortic valve stenosis. New objectives are to explore the possibilities of using imaging techniques with the use of nanobodies to characterize the vulnerable plaque in patients with atherosclerosis. For the ion-channel disorders (research line 2) we focused initially on the clinical presentation and treatment of the disease. However, we are actually exploring the genetics of these diseases more specifically of the Brugada syndrome,and are looking for parallels in ion-channel disorders in neurology. Using cardiac imaging we will also look for morphological abnormalities in these patients and explore the potential role of these mechanical abnormalities in the clinical presentation of the disease." "Department of Cardiovascular Sciences" "Werner Budts" "For more information about the research topics of the different research teams belonging to this department see: - Division for Cardiology - Division for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Revalidation - Division for Cardiovascular Developmental Physiology - Division for Molecular and Vascular BiologyThe Department of Cardiovascular Sciences aims to increase knowledge in cardiovascular biology and diseases, to implement translation from bench to bedside and to improve patient care and cardiovascular health." "Cardiovascular Developmental Biology" "Marc Gewillig" "Correlations between echocardiographic, angiocardiographic and anatomical data in children with congenital heart malformations. Exercice tolerance studies in children before and after surgery for congenital heart malformations (gas exchange, determination of the ventilatory anaerobic threshold). (in collaboration with Dr. T. Reybrouck)." "Cardiovascular Imaging and Dynamics" "Jan D'hooge" "Cardiovascular Imaging and DynamicsImaging of the cardiovascular system by various imaging modalities: echo, magnetic resonance, nuclear (SPECT and PET) and CTInnovation in imaging through novel echocardiographic technologiesstudy of cardiac mechanics, deformation and hemodynamics in normal and pathologic situations in humans (normal and disease) and animalsAnimal models for research of normal and pahthologic hemodynamicsModeling of heart and circulation by mathematical models" "Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology" "Tatiana Kouznetsova" "The Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology (HCVE) coordinated influential clinical trials, published in top-ranking journals, such as the Systolic Hypertension in Europe Trial (Syst-Eur), the Ambulatory blood Pressure monitoring and Treatment of Hypertension trial (APTH) and the Treatment of hypertension based on Home or Office blood Pressure trial (THOP).  HCVE led the Data Safety and Monitoring Board of large clinical trials, including the Systolic Hypertension in China trial (Syst-China), the Randomised Olmesartan and Diabetes Microalbuminuria Prevention Study (ROADMAP) and the Hypertension in the very Elderly trial (HYVET).  HCVE organised the Ouabain and Adducin for Specific Intervention on Sodium in HyperTension trial (OASIS-HT) and the Newer vs. Older Antihypertensive Agents in African Hypertensive patients (NOAAH) trial, which was running at six clinical sites in sub-Saharan Africa.  HCVE played a pivotal role in delineating the deleterious adverse health effects of environmental exposure of the Flemish population to heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, and more recently to air pollutants (fine particulate).The current research interests of HCVE focus on the clinical application of omics (genomics, epigenomics, proteomics and metabolomics), population science, and the treatment of cardiovascular disease, in particular hypertension.  In 1985, HCVE initiated the still ongoing FLEmish Study on ENvironment Genes and Health Outcomes (FLEMENGHO), which served as a template for other population studies across Europe, including the European Project on Genes in Hypertension (EPOGH) and the Swiss Kidney Project on Genes in Hypertension (SKIPOGH), in China (Jingning County), and more recently in Montevideo, Uruguay and Lugbe (Abuja), Nigeria.  In 1998, HCVE participated in several FP7 projects, including INGENIOUS HYPERCARE, HYPERGENES, EU-MASCARA and HOMAGE.  Within H2020, HCVE is the coordinator of the ERA-CVD project PROACT (2018) on the prediction and pathophysiology of acute coronary syndrome, using omics technologies. HCVE set up several international research consortia.  IDACO (International Database on Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in relation to Cardiovascular Outcome) and IDHOCO (International Database of HOme blood pressure in relation to Cardiovascular Outcome) focus on the clinical applicability of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring or the self-measured blood pressure at home in risk stratification, using data from prospective population studies.  HCVE started the European Network coordinating research on REnal denervation (ENCOReD) and in 2017 published the pilot phase of the INSPiRED (Investigator-Steered Project on intravascular Renal Denervation for Management of Drug-Resistant Hypertension) trial.The European Research Council Advanced Researcher project EPLORE (Epidemiological Left ventricular Outcomes Research in Europe) focused on left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in the general population and was followed-up by a Proof-of-Concept project granted by the European Research Council on the use of urinary proteomics for the prediction of heart transplantation outcomes (uPROPHET – Urinary PROteomics in Predicting HEart Transplantation outcomes). HCVE coordinated PREMATCH (PREMATurity as predictor of children's Cardiovascular-renal Health), which was a case-control study comparing the health of children at 11 years, between those born with extremely low birth weight (" "Cardiovascular Sciences, Kulak Kortrijk Campus" "Simon De Meyer" "Research in the Laboratory for Thrombosis Research (Karen Vanhoorelbeke, Simon De Meyer, Hans Deckmyn) at the Kulak campus of KU Leuven focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which the hemostatic proteins von Willebrand factor (VWF) and its cleaving enzyme ADAMTS13 contribute to health and disease.  We perform fundamental research to understand the role of VWF and ADAMTS13 in hemostasis, bleeding,  thrombosis and (thrombo)inflammatory processes (a.o. ischemic stroke,  myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury) and to unravel their mode-of-action. We investigate the molecular cause of the bleeding disorder von Willebrand disease (VWD) and the thrombotic disorder thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in patients with congenital and acquired forms of the diseases and develop new gene therapeutic approaches to correct deficiencies. These findings form the basis for our translational research lines where preclinical animal models are established to study disease pathology and new treatment strategies. We also invest in developing new diagnostic assays for VWD and TTP." "Cardiovascular Research and Engineering" "The recording of the electrocardiogram (ECG) remains the cornerstone for the clinical diagnosis of each cardiac disease. The ECG records the electrical activity of the heart on the body surface and produces images that are characteristic of both normal and abnormal conditions. Unfortunately, the conventional ECG records that electrical activity in a limited number of sites on the torso and falls thus short in providing the cardiologist with sufficient diagnostic information. All research projects occurring in CARE in collaboration with a large number of Centres both in Europe and in the US (Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Durham, Edmonton etc) are based on the recording of body surface potential maps by means of 120 surface electrodes positioned over the entire thoracic surface. Indeed, only such a large number of recording sites (100 and more) allows the retrieval of the total surface information on the electrical activity of the heart. As a consequence, the rather modest performance of the standard ECG is increased, dependent on the diagnostic category, from 10% to 40%. The present activity of our group addresses the important aspect of predictivity and hence, prevention of ischemic heart disease." "Experimental Pharmacology" "Ilse Smolders" "In the research group Experimental Pharmacology the vast majority of scientists are trained in pharmacology and psychopharmacology. Our team has however a nice complementarity between a number of neuroscientists-pharmacologists engaged in preclinical research, a number of analytical experts looking for new sensitive methods for monitoring numerous neuromediators, brain biomarkers and pharmacological read-outs, and a number of colleagues who conduct mainly clinical pharmacological research. Our research group is part of the Center for Neuroscience (C4N) of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (https://c4n.research.vub.be/en) 1/ Preclinical research in EFAREFAR has expertise with rodent models of seizures and refractory epilepsy, stress-related mental disorders such as anxiety and major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and more recently also multiple sclerosis. The neuromethods we use on a daily basis range from in vivo to ex vivo and in vitro approaches. We have a range of in vivo paradigms to assess convulsive behavior, stress coping, anxiety- and depressive-like behavior, cognitive and motor function. We utilize electrophysiological approaches including in vivo telemetry-based 24h-EEG monitoring and ex vivo slice electrophysiology. We are renowned for in vivo monitoring of endogenous mediators from brain samples (e.g. microdialysis, COFM). We perform ex vivo analyses of rodent brain biomarkers and in vitro work on cultured neurons, astrocytes or microglia. We more recently started to work at the single cell level with patch clamp electrophysiology and transcriptomics. We make use of not only classical pharmacology and genetic models but adopt also novel state-of-the art technologies such as chemogenetics and photopharmacology and we recently developed expertise in transcranial electrical stimulation methods.The team of Ilse Smolders is mainly dedicated to find new therapeutic strategies for refractory epilepsy. Cognitive dysfunction is a core symptom in several neurological but also psychiatric disorders where it severely affects quality of life and predicts poor functional recovery. The team of Dimitri De Bundel studies rodent models in a range of behavioural tests to determine the mechanisms driving cognitive dysfunction and to explore potential therapeutic targets: NEUROMODULATION AND INFLAMMATION IN STRESS-RELATED MENTAL DISORDERS - VUB C4N.Ron Kooijman who is unfortunately approaching his retirement has always been a driving force for unravelling mechanisms of neuroinflammation in brain diseases: NEURO-INFLAMMATION, NEUROTROPHIC FACTORS AND NEUROPROTECTION - VUB C4N. 2/ Bioanalytical research in EFARNeuropharmacological research is strongly dependent on the availability of sensitive analysis methods for neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and biomarkers in brain samples of rodents. The development of newer, faster, better and more sensitive analysis methods is the challenge for the bioanalysts in our team, pharmacist Ann Van Eeckhaut and clinical biologist Ilse Weets. They apply targeted (e.g. sensitive LC-tandem mass spectrometry) and untargeted (e.g. metabolomics) analytical methods in their research. The team of Ann Van Eeckhaut focusses on bioanalytical challenges in basic neuroscience research. The teamof Ilse Weets performs biomarker research in the domains of metabolic diseases, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.  3/ Clinical pharmacological research with a link to neuroscienceThe use of medicinal products during pregnancy, lactation and in young children calls for special caution. A risk assessment requires knowledge of the specific pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The team of Eline Tommelein focuses on the use of medicines during these phases of life, but also on the adequate treatment of pregnancy- or breastfeeding-related disorders. Another line of research of Eline Tommelein are the drug-related problems that can arise when medicines are used differently from how they were intended and she specifically focusses on interactions with alcohol use and smoking.Sofie Brouwers interest in hypertension and how it can be regulated by the brain is long standing. She is interested how brain mediators interact to control sympathetic tone and blood pressure and may be important in the pathogenesis of many forms of hypertension: CNS AND BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROLE - VUB C4N. She also carries out research into pharmacological treatments of high blood pressure to improve the outcome of difficult-to-control hypertensive patients." "Department of Rehabilitation Sciences" "Thierry Troosters" "Cardiovascular & respiratory rehabilitation, adapted physical activity & psychomotor therapy. Within this unit clinical & fundamental research are encouraged. There is a close cooperation and integration with various departments in the University Hospital and the Rehabilitation Center. The research is focused on cardiovascular rehabilitation, exercise capacity, physiotherapeutic interventions in patients with respiratory disease, the effect of respiratory training, the effect of psychomotor therapy on various psychiatric conditions, the evaluation of the functional handicaps of disabled individuals. Locomotor and Neuromotor Rahabilitation. This unit is also to a great extent embedded in the University Hospitals. The main emphasis is on rehabilitation of orthopaedic conditions, sports injuries and neurological rehabilitation. Several research projects are currently being undertaken. The projects cover a wide range of topics which can be summarized for each area as follows : 1. Soft tissue dysfunction, causes of low back pain, gait and orthotics, the effect of proprioceptive training. 2. The effect of rehabilitation on central neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. 3. The effect of rehabilitation on urinary incontinence and sexual dysfuntions."