Projects
Therapeutic potential of high-density lipoproteins in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction KU Leuven
Plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and plasma levels of its major apolipoprotein (apo), apo A-I, are inversely correlated with the incidence of coronary heart disease. The potential protection conferred by HDL against ischemic cardiovascular diseases has been most often attributed to its role in reverse cholesterol transport. However, HDLs exert divergent functions that include actions mediated by signalling via ...
Francqui Chair to Professor dr. David Pauls of the Massachusetts General Hospital: " From prenatal risk factors to complex behavioral outcomes " Hasselt University
Chemical analysis of organic pollutants in serum and urine in the framework of the Centre for Environment and Health. University of Antwerp
Post-genomic investigation of therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. University of Antwerp
The role of adipose tissue in ICU-acquired weakness KU Leuven
Prolonged critically ill patients frequently develop muscle wasting and weakness of limb and respiratory muscles, termed critical illness-induced or intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness. Mechanisms underlying this debilitating condition are complex, affecting both muscles and nerves. Whereas hypercatabolism in these patients induces loss of muscle mass, counterintuitively, adipose tissue is preserved or even increased during prolonged ...
MALARIA PARASITES IN COMBINATION WITH INTERFERON-Γ INDUCE GLUCOCORTICOID RESISTANCE IN PULMONARY ENDOTHELIUM KU Leuven
Due to their anti-inflammatory properties endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) contribute to the control of the immune system. Exogenous GCs are used as anti-inflammatory therapeutics in patients suffering from a broad spectrum of inflammatory diseases. However, treatment failure due to GC resistance is frequently reported. Preliminary data show prominent GC resistance in a model of malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome ...
Local and systemic immune interactions in malignant gliomas KU Leuven
Glioblastoma (GBM), the most frequent primary intrinsic brain tumor, is without any doubt one of the most devastating diseases known to mankind. GBM are currently being treated with neurosurgical resection followed by radio- and chemotherapy. However, despite this treatment, prognosis for these patients is grim with a median survival of only 15 months and less than 20% 3-year survival rates. Already at diagnosis, GBM cells are infiltrating ...
Electrical interaction with the abnormal brain cavity wall to reduce cavity-related symptoms: proof-of-concept study in the rat KU Leuven
On each neurosurgery and neuroanatomy ward around the world lie patients with an abnormal brain cavity (aBC). Such an aBC develops because neurons are lost as a result of brain damage due to e.g. a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Symptoms associated with an aBC range from motor impairment such as paresis to psychiatric symptoms such as depression. Despite a wide range of available therapies, these symptoms often remain, even years ...
Advances in the management of Obstetric Fistulae KU Leuven
In this thesis research on obstetric fistula is being presented. Obstetric fistula are complications of obstructive labour, where the foetal head compresses tissues against the bony pelvis. This induces ischaemia and necrosis of these tissues and subsequent fistulisation. The high prevalence of obstetric fistula in certain regions of developing countries is a hallmark of poor perinatal care
Epidemiological studies have shown that the ...