American Heart Association

March 18, 2021

HIV, diabetes and immune cells in fat

In HIV-positive individuals with diabetes, immune cells in fat are more proinflammatory and cytotoxic and may represent a therapeutic target for diabetes.

By Leigh MacMillan
Close up on the left eye of a black man
March 18, 2021

Eye stroke is focus of American Heart Association statement

The American Heart Association (AHA) recently issued a scientific statement, “Management of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion.” CRAO is a form of ischemic stroke characterized by acute and painless vision loss in one eye.

By Paul Govern
Insulin in vials
February 18, 2021

Gene variant and glucose metabolism

Genetic variation that impacts glucose- and insulin-related signaling affects responses to type 2 diabetes treatments and warrants further study.

By Leigh MacMillan
doctor checking patient's blood pressure
January 12, 2021

Mitochondrial stress and hypertension

Oxidative stress and toxic products called isolevuglandins in mitochondria play a role in endothelial dysfunction and hypertension — and getting rid of them with a special “scavenger” molecule has therapeutic potential.

By Leigh MacMillan
December 10, 2020

VHVI’s Brown, Agrawal receive American Heart Association awards

Two Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute researchers are receiving awards from the American Heart Association.

By Matt Batcheldor
October 19, 2020

Depression and the brain-age gap

Older depressed adults show accelerated brain aging, according to a new study from Vanderbilt researchers, who suggest that the effects of depression may speed the decline in cognitive functions in older individuals.

By Sarah E. Glass
September 24, 2020

Heart Walk 2020

The money is still rolling in, but the Greater Nashville Heart Walk has already raised $1.3 million in its fight against heart disease and stroke as well as to provide funding for public and professional education and community service programs.
By Matt Batcheldor
September 2, 2020

Greater Nashville Heart Walk to go virtual on Sept. 12

Instead of drawing thousands of walkers to the Vanderbilt campus, the 2020 American Heart Association (AHA) Greater Nashville Heart Walk will take place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Matt Batcheldor
August 20, 2020

Salt, immune cells and hypertension

Excess dietary salt activates immune cells to induce inflammation and hypertension, supporting current recommendations for low sodium consumption.
By Leigh MacMillan
July 29, 2020

Kirabo receives award from American Heart Association

Annet Kirabo, DVM, MSc, PhD, assistant professor of Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, is receiving the 2020 Harry Goldblatt Award for Early Career Investigators from the American Heart Association (AHA).
By Matt Batcheldor
July 27, 2020

Soy food, metabolism and the microbiome

Consumption of soy foods may shape the microbiome and protect against hypertension only in individuals with soy-responsive microbiota, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.
By Sarah E. Glass
July 13, 2020

“Nur” target may aid arthritis treatment

Vanderbilt immunologists have discovered that the protein Nur77 is part of a control mechanism that guards against autoimmunity in natural killer T cells.
By Bill Snyder
June 10, 2020

C. diff captures blood cell cofactor to build defensive shield

Vanderbilt University Medical Center scientists have identified a C. diff protein system that senses and captures heme (part of hemoglobin) to build a protective shield that fends off threats from our immune system and antibiotics.
By Leigh MacMillan