The development of vascular endothelial dysfunction and adverse vascular remodeling have been demonstrated to be proximal steps in the ultimate development of clinical manifestations of atherosclerotic diseases, including acute coronary syndromes, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease. Detection of vascular endothelial dysfunction and adverse vascular remodeling by imaging technology available through Human Vascular Translational Research Center (HVTRC) at the Medical College of Wisconsin has been demonstrated to predict adverse cardiovascular risk. The HVTRC is a core laboratory of MCW’s Clinical Translational Research Institute (CTSI) and is available as a resource to all those with a faculty appointment at MCW or the CTSI. Modalities available for assessment of vascular health and common measurements available through the HVTRC include:
Current research projects reflect these two missions. Current projects include investigations into the role of mitochondrial function in the development of vascular endothelial dysfunction and the protective effects of exercise on endothelial dysfunction. Collaborative relationships between the HVTRC and the Departments of Surgery, Medicine, and Pediatrics have lead to novel projects involving the assessments of endothelial function in children with diabetes, postmenopausal women and hypertensive adults. Other populations of interest include those with coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease. A list of currently active protocols and a sample of recent publications is included below.
Full time technicians trained in these modalities acquire and analyze all of the data, and also offer aid in the analysis and interpretation of data acquired. The HVTRC operates in conjunction with the Adult Translational Research Unit. We encourage those interested in human vascular research in novel populations to contact the HVTRC by emailing Michael Widlansky, MD, MPH, HVTRC Director, at mwidlans@mcw.edu.