Download Is Glaucoma a risk factor for Coronary Artery Disease and Major

Project Title: Is Glaucoma a risk factor for Coronary Artery Disease and Major Adverse Cardiac
Events.
Supervisors: Dr Sarah Atkinson, Dr Catriona Kelly and Dr Victoria McGilligan.
Project Description
Background to the project: According to the World Health Organisation, glaucoma is the second leading
cause of blindness globally. The total number of suspected cases of glaucoma is estimated to be over 60
million worldwide, increasing to 79.6 million by 2020. Recent studies have found that major eye diseases,
such as age-related macular degeneration, retinopathy and glaucoma, are triggered by the same systemic
factors that cause cardiovascular disease (CVD). With findings from the Blue Mountains Eye Study1 and
Framingham Heart Study2 demonstrating increased cardiovascular mortality in participants with previously
diagnosed glaucoma. CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
accounting for the vast majority of CVD deaths via Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) such as heart
attacks. Currently, no non-invasive test exits to predict risk of MACE. Given that the majority of patients
who experience an event have no previous symptoms there is a great need to investigate and develop novel
ways to predict individuals at greatest risk of CAD and MACE.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), is a well-documented major risk factor for MACE and also glaucoma
(both neovascular and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma). Glaucoma, T2DM and CAD, have all been
associated with increased expression and activation of the innate immune system.
The overarching theme of this project is to determine if glaucoma in the presence or absence of T2DM
increases the risk of CAD and MACE. The inflammatory mechanisms behind these potential associations
will be investigated. This project may lead to to changes in the clinical care pathway which would be
necessary for better management of those patients.
Skills required of applicant: The project will involve a wide range of cutting edge molecular-based
methods and interaction with clinicians within Northern Ireland in addition to our collaborators based in
Boston, Harvard Medical School. We are seeking a student who is enthusiastic, prepared to work hard with
good laboratory experience and working knowledge of molecular biology. A background degree in
biomedical sciences / bioinformatics or related subjects is required.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. References and additional links
References :
Lee AJ, Wang JJ, Kifley A, Mitchell P. Open-Angle Glaucoma and Cardiovascular Mortality: The Blue
Mountains Eye Study. Ophthalmology. 2006;113(7):1069-76.
Hiller R, Podgor MJ, Sperduto RD, Wilson PW, Chew EY, D’Agostino, RB. High intraocular pressure and
survival: the Framingham Studies. Am J Ophthalmol 1999;128:440–5. Anton N, Cantemir A, Chiseliţă D. Influence of glaucoma on diabetes-induced changes in the anterior ocular
segment. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi. 2016;120(2):336-43.
Zhou M, Wang W, Huang W, Zhang X. Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for open-angle glaucoma: a
systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2014;9(8):e102972.
Greco A, Rizzo MI, De Virgilio A, Gallo A, Fusconi M, de Vincentiis M. Emerging Concepts in Glaucoma
and Review of the Literature. Am J Med. 2016;129(9):1000.e7-1000.e13.
Kirsch S, Iroku-Malize T. Eye Conditions in Older Adults: Diabetic Retinopathy. FP Essent. 2016;445:2937.
Zhao X, Gu C, Yan C, Zhang X, Li Y, Wang L, Ren L, Zhang Y, Peng J, Zhu Z, Han Y. NALP3Inflammasome-Related Gene Polymorphisms in Patients with Prehypertension and Coronary
Atherosclerosis. Biomed Res Int. 2016;2016:7395627.
Based in: Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Londonderry, UK.
Web: http://biomed.science.ulster.ac.uk/research-institute/stratified-medicine/
Email queries to: [email protected]
For more information on this project, the supervisory team and graduate studies at Ulster, please visit
http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/gradschool/biomedical/
How to apply for this project:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/phdresearch-degrees/how-to-apply Closing date for Applications is 24 February 2017.
Funding Notes
The Department for the Economy (DfE) (formerly called Department for Employment and Learning
(DEL))
The University has DfE research studentships available for PhD projects. These pay tuition fees and an
annual maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum. These awards are open to holders of, or
those expected to obtain, first or upper second class honours degrees and cover fees at the home rate and, for
applicants with UK residence only, a maintenance allowance. Non-UK residents who hold ordinary EU
residence may also apply but, if successful, will receive fees only. Applicants should indicate in the
appropriate box on their University application form that they wish to apply for a DfE award. The closing
date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for DfE
awards, including eligibility, can be found here: DfE Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017
Vice-Chancellor's Research Scholarships (VCRS)
A number of University funded VCRS will be available for PhD projects at Ulster. These awards are open
to applicants who hold or, expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree. They will cover
tuition fees and a maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum for three years. Applications are
invited from UK, European Union and overseas students. Applicants with up to one year’s current or
previous registration for PhD at any institution may be considered for an award subject to the applicant
providing evidence of good academic progress, formal release from all IP restrictions and ethical approval
(if required). Three-year awards may be allocated to such applicants where they are taking-up a new project
at Ulster. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate area on their University application form that they
wish to apply for a University Studentship/VCRS award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be
24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for VCRS awards, including eligibility, can be
found here: VCRS Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017