The Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease (QRC-PVD) research is dedicated to improving the management of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and diabetes-related foot disease. Studies focus on presenting complaints and complications of the disease. Our experienced research team uses a broad range of techniques to understand pathogenesis, identify risk factors and new prognostic models, and ultimately test new management approaches and therapies for PVD.

Website

https://www.jcu.edu.au/qrcpvd/about

Organisation type

• University Research Centre; Research Hospital

Number of research staff

Up to 20 research staff

Address

Townsville University Hospital, 100 Angus Smith Dr, Douglas QLD 4814

Strengths and capabilities

• Bench-to-bedside translational research on Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm (AAA) and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
• Preclinical in vitro and in vivo research
• Randomised Controlled Clinical Trials
• Novel drug applications for AAA and PAD
• Telehealth exercise trials for PAD patients
• Medication optimisation for PAD patients
• Behavioural modification for PAD patients
• Behavioural modification for Diabetes-related Foot Disease patients.

Lead researchers

• Prof Jon Golledge is listed on Expertscape as the #1 researcher for both abdominal aortic aneurysms and the abdominal aorta worldwide.

Achievements of the centre

• Established the World's first bench-to-bedside AAA program combining animal models, a biobank and multiple RCTs
• Established a biobank (>100,000 Samples) used by researchers in >20 countries including Africa, Austria, Germany, the UK and the US
• Enabled research into alternative osteoporosis treatments after showing that commonly used inhibitors of bone protein sclerostin promoted atherosclerosis & AAA
• Enabled testing of new drugs showing that metformin was associated with reduced AAA growth & fewer AAA repairs or ruptures
• Enabled new diagnostic & monitoring tools for novel blood tests and showing that aortic wall stress predicts AAA rupture.

Key science sectors

More information about the sectors this centre is involved in:

• Biotechnology
• Health and medical