Event

The Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) will host an upgrade seminar presented by Mr. Shamjeet Singh entitled, “Characterisation of intracellular abnormalities in diabetic cardiomyopathy using rat models” on Wednesday 7^th May, 2008 at the Faculty Board Room, FMS, Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. Mr. Singh is investigating the development of heart disease (diabetic cardiomyopathy) in diabetic patients.

The following is the synopsis of the proposal:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) have reached epidemic proportions both regionally and internationally. Approximately 80% of the morbidity and mortality among diabetics are due to cardiovascular events which result from coronary artery disease and diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC). DC is characterized by reduced contractility and calcium (Ca²⁺) is the key ion responsible for the regulation of cardiac contraction and relaxation. The mishandling of intracellular Ca²⁺ by organelles has been implicated in the development of DC. Our investigations of DC initially employed the use of a rat model of type 1 DM. Subsequently, we sought to define a sucrose-fed rat model of type 2 DM. This research seeks to define the changes in expression levels and functionality of cardiac proteins that lead to cardiac dysfunction in the early stages of Type 2 DM. This information can then be used to inform therapeutic and intervention strategies in the treatment and prevention of DC.