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Research

The Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit has adopted basic science research since its creation in an attempt to understand the profound changes of pulmonary arteries in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Our unit uses contemporary molecular biological techniques (such as silencing RNA and gene knockout models) and are experts in cell isolation from sections of pulmonary arteries.

Our research aims to understand and address changes in vessel wall make-up on a cellular level which contribute to the pathology of pulmonary hypertension.

Translational research is very important within the Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit and we are undertaking studies which crosses from bench to bedside with regards to interesting and novel molecules aimed ultimately at disease targeted therapy.

Our work is funded by medical charities i.e. British Lung Foundation, Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and the British Heart Foundation, all of whom actively seek solutions to this medical condition.

Clinical research

The principal areas of clinical research being undertaken within SPVU at present are:

  • Predictors of prognosis using Cardiac MR especially using T1 mapping and exercise
  • Utility of exercise training as treatment for PAH
  • Epidemiology

In addition we collaborate nationally and internationally with other PH units in collaborative studies.

Examples of these projects currently in progress include:
· COHORT / BRIDGE – genetics of PAH.
· Toculizumab in PAH.
· International CTEPH registry.