Targeting Neutrophil Serine Proteases for Treatment of Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis
Grant Data
Project Title
Targeting Neutrophil Serine Proteases for Treatment of Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis
Principal Investigator
Professor Xu, Aimin
(Principal Investigator (PI))
Co-Investigator(s)
Dr Hui Xiaoyan
(Co-Investigator)
Duration
29
Start Date
2018-07-15
Amount
1193424
Conference Title
Targeting Neutrophil Serine Proteases for Treatment of Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis
Presentation Title
Keywords
Atherosclerosis, Biomarkers, Cardiovascular disease, Inflammation, Neutrophils
Discipline
Others - Medicine, Dentistry and Health
HKU Project Code
05163506
Grant Type
Health and Medical Research Fund - Full Grant
Funding Year
2017
Status
Completed
Objectives
Atherosclerosis, a disease characterized by lipid deposition and hardening of the arteries, is a primary cause of heart attack and stroke. However, there is currently no cure available for atherosclerosis. Our clinical studies demonstrated that circulating levels of neutrophil elastase (NE) and proteinase-3 (PR3), both of which are neutrophils-released serine proteases, are markedly elevated in patients with coronary artery disease and correlate closely with severity of atherosclerosis. Therefore, we hypothesize that elevated NE and PR3 contribute to atherogenesis via their pro-inflammatory and proteolytic activities, and that pharmacological blockage of NE/PR3 is a potential therapeutic regime for atherosclerosis.