Thrombin Receptor Involvement in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Project Description Narrative:

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Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. As of 2006, more than 81 million Americans suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease with 8.5 million people experiencing a heart attack and 5.8 million suffering from heart failure. Nearly 2,300 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, claiming more lives each year than cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases and accidents combined. In addition, heart disease contributes to an increase of poor health and poor quality of life. The costs associated with cardiovascular disease are estimated to be over $503 billion as of 2010. Despite advancements in medical therapy, cardiovascular disease remains a chronic and progressive process, underscoring the need for new medications to prevent heart attacks and heart failure.

Alongside cardiovasular disease, diabetes is a an increasingly prevalent condition, affecting nearly 420,000 adults and 6,000 children and adolescents in Wisconsin with an estimated direct and indirect cost totaling $5.26 billion. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of diabetes-related complications including cardiovascular disease.

Through this award, investigators aim to identify potential new targets for the treatment of heart failure in patients and the basis for future clinical treatments by identifying thrombin receptors contributing to cardiomyopathy.