Projects
Bloedplaatjes CD40 co-stimulatie: een sterke leukocyt en endotheel activator in vasculaire inflammatie. KU Leuven
Platelets are critically involved in cardiovascular disease. As a result of atherosclerotic plaque rupture, the exposure of debris instigates arterial thrombosis causing myocardial infarction or stroke. Beyond the hemostatic employment of platelets, recent studies revealed immunological properties of platelets affecting atherosclerosis. We showed that platelet CD40L, an important co-stimulatory molecule, plays a pivotal role in platelet ...
Influence of vaginal microbiota on the pathophysiology of microbial-associated intra-amniotic inflammation and “sterile” inflammation in women with preterm labor with intact membranes and women with preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes KU Leuven
Background: Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene emerges to better understand the influence of microbiome on spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). There is a few data regarding its influence on the infectious/inflammatory physiopathology of sPTB. According to the amniotic fluid (AF) information of infection/inflammation (IAI), four phenotypes of women have been defined: microbial-associated IAI, “sterile” IAI, colonization and a “negative” phenotype, ...
Eosinophils in upper airway inflammation : the good, the bad or the ugly? A study on the role of staphylococcus aureus in the interactions and plasticity of eosinophils and their products in upper airway inflammation. Ghent University
Eosinophilic infiltration and Staphylococcus aureus colonization have both been associated with
chronic rhinosinusitis patients with polyps. However, the role and true significance of eosinophils
in upper airway inflammation is still poorly understood. Since their discovery and despite their role
in antibacterial defense, eosinophils have been considered as harmful cells responsible for tissue
...
Study of the molecular mechanisms by which chronic intestinal inflammation affects stem cell function leading to epithelial inflammation and cancer development Ghent University
Chronic inflammation contributes to tumor promotion and progression, and many of the tumor-promoting effects of inflammation depend on the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. Interference with NF-κB signalling therefore represents a potential new therapeutic approach. Our project concerns the study of how NF-kB-dependent inflammation affects intestinal tissue physiology and can contribute to the development of intestinal cancer....
Interrelationship of pulmonary inflammation, systemic inflammation and airway remodelling in the pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Ghent University
The overall aim of this coordinated, multidisciplinary research proposal is to elucidate the interrelationship between systemic inflammation, pulmonary inflammation and airway remodelling in the pathogenesis of COPD. The central hypothesis is that "COPD ensues from an inappropriate (ie exaggerated, harmful) inflammatory and/or fibrogenic response of the host to cigarette smoke".
The interplay of psychological stress, increased intestinal permeability and low grade inflammation in the pathophysiology of functional and inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders. KU Leuven
In this project we will investigate whether similar abnormalities are present in the colon, which is of importance to study IBS, and whether the observed pathology also leads to hypersensitivity of the gut. In the second part of the project we will set up a treatment study with the antiinflammatory agent budesonide, first in the BB-rat and later also in patients with functional dyspepsia. From these results we will learn if inflammation is ...