The 7th International Symposium of New Frontiers in Cardiovascular Research was held in Mauritius on October 16 and 17, bringing together international and local experts to share their latest research findings.
Prof Shaun Jackson, the Director of Cardiovascular Research, Charles Perkins Centre and leader of the Thrombosis Group at the Heart Research Institute (HRI), was among the delegates invited to speak at the event.
His oral presentation was titled: 'Red cell endovascular sealants causing COVID-19 microanglopathy'.
Microangiopathy is a disease of the capillaries (very small blood vessels), in which the capillary walls become so thick and weak that they bleed, leak protein, and slow the flow of blood. It is a major complication of coronavirusand contributes to the acute (multi-organ dysfunction) and chronic (long COVID) complications of the disease.
The findings of this research project showed the existence of a distinct mechanism that prevents microvascular bleeding, independent of platelets and fibrin. A disruption of this mechanism is a major cause of obstruction in COVID-19 and other ischaemic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
The symposium was held at SSR Medical College in collaboration with University College London (UK), the Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen (Germany), Duke-NUS Medical School (Singapore), Cardiac Centre (Mauritius) and Cardiovascular Society of Mauritius.
The event, which received local media coverage, featured other distinguished speakers and experts from Hungary, Singapore, South Africa, Germany, USA, UK, Turkey and Mauritius, and also a young investigator session.
The welcome address included a traditional lamp lighting ceremony and was followed by a plenary speech by Prof Derek Yellon, Director of The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute at the University of College, London.
The speakers all provided valuable perspectives on cutting-edge research, clinical breakthroughs, and innovative treatments for CVD - many of which have the potential to improve clinical outcomes of patients.
With CVD the leading cause of death and disability worldwide and its prevalence on the rise, new treatments are needed to advance health outcomes for people with CVD.
