Partial list of projects:

1. Coronary restenosis post-percutaneous coronary intervention is still a major problem for which no definitive answers have yet been found. We are planning to combine two facts, namely that:
a. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a critical role in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis and is depleted after coronary angioplasty and ensuing endothelial denudation, and
b. Anti-oxidants have been shown to be vital in the preservation of endothelium-dependent functions, being beneficial for cell proliferation and arterial remodeling. A unique approach of combining anti-oxidants and NO-donors to partially restore endothelial function after vascular injury will be investigated. Results may lead to new methods of pharmacological interventions to reduce restenosis.

2. Vascular damage and the resulting healing processes play a major role in the pathogenesis of coronary atheroscelerosis and vascular healing after coronary intervention. The study of the inflammatory response post-vascular surgery and the possible value of immunomodulation for the prevention of its sequela will be studied.