NHLBI

Preempting sudden cardiac death

A technique to characterize all variants in genes associated with arrhythmia could improve the ability to identify and preemptively treat individuals at risk for sudden cardiac death.

BMI genetics influence heart function

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that a genetic predisposition to elevated body mass index increases the risk of diastolic dysfunction — a cardiac condition that can lead to heart failure.

Diabetes, cardiovascular drug targets

Targeting receptors of the inflammatory lipid signaling molecule PGE2 may offer a new way to tackle both Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.

A clue to an adverse drug event in children

Considering metabolic (CYP2D6) enzyme activity score and patient age may aid in determining an individual’s risk for an adverse event with administration of the anti-arrhythmic drug propafenone.

Gene variants and transplant drug dose

Genotyping multiple enzymes that metabolize the immunosuppressive drug tacrolimus — common used for lung transplant recipients — is important for correct dosing of the drug, Vanderbilt researchers found.

By Leigh MacMillan

Erin Green, PhD, Eric Skaar, PhD, MPH, and colleagues are studying how a certain bacterial pathogen can survive on hospital surfaces for months with no water.

May 5, 2022

VUMC team discovers how bacterial pathogen survives without water

Vanderbilt researchers are studying a bacterial pathogen that can survive on hospital surfaces — without water — for months, an ability that has helped it become a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.