ICOMATH

Integrated Computational Model Framework for the Study of Atherosclerosis

Coordinatore	UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS    more  Organization address address: UNIVERSITY CAMPUS RIO PATRAS city: RIO PATRAS postcode: 26500 contact info Titolo: Prof. Nome: Anastasios Cognome: Bezerianos Email: send email Telefono: 302610000000 Fax: 302611000000
Nazionalità Coordinatore	Greece [EL]
Totale costo	75˙000 €
EC contributo	75˙000 €
Programma	FP7-PEOPLE Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)
Code Call	FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG
Funding Scheme	MC-IRG
Anno di inizio	2011
Periodo (anno-mese-giorno)	2011-02-07   -   2014-02-06

 Partecipanti

#	participant	country	role	EC contrib. [€]
1	UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS  Organization address address: UNIVERSITY CAMPUS RIO PATRAS city: RIO PATRAS postcode: 26500 contact info Titolo: Prof. Nome: Anastasios Cognome: Bezerianos Email: send email Telefono: 302610000000 Fax: 302611000000	EL (RIO PATRAS)	coordinator	75˙000.00

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Atherosclerosis, a disease of large- and medium-size arteries, is the major cause of death in most of the Western world. The blood flow and its interaction with the arterial wall deformation are considered to play a significant role in the pathobiological mechanisms (i.e. LDL concentraton) involved in the process of atheroma formation. Therefore, a unified computational model framework is proposed herein, which integrates blood flow dynamics and arterial wall mechanics, and based on the findings, it aims at describing the biological events that trigger the atherogenic process and its progression, through the study of LDL transport. It is believed that such an integrated computational model framework will provide a better understanding of the pathobiology of the disease and the underlying biological processes.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of death in most of the western world. A novel model combining arterial mechanics and blood flow dynamics promises to shed new light on mechanisms and treatments.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Atherosclerosis, literally from the Greek 'hardening' of the arteries, is a condition characterised by a build-up of plaque consisting of fat, cholesterol and other substances along the arterial walls. Blood flow and interactions with the deformations in the arterial wall play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Such mechanisms lend themselves to mathematical descriptions of forces and flows.

Scientists initiated the EU-funded project 'Integrated computational model framework for the study of atherosclerosis' (ICOMATH) to combine blood flow dynamics and arterial wall mechanics in a single model of atherosclerosis processes and mechanisms. Changing model parameters and testing novel hypotheses will increase understanding of pathobiological substrates of the disease. One to be investigated is low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called 'bad cholesterol'), which is known to be a major component of plaque.

During the first project period, scientists developed and optimised two methods for using ultrasound to study the propagation of shear waves in tissues including arteries. The methods were used to increase spatial resolution of estimated viscoelastic tissue properties. These results have been published or accepted for publication.

A third study focused on the use of a three-dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM) model and an established viscoelastic model (the Voigt model) to improve performance of the algorithms related to propagation of shear waves and interpretation of physical phenomena. These three models will be combined in the next period to produce a multi-layer model of the arterial wall.

Scientists are also developing image processing and classification algorithms to characterise atherosclerotic plaques obtained from clinical samples. Continued work will target the blood flow model and a model of LDL transport and plaque formation for a comprehensive description of atherosclerosis, including mechanisms and effects.

Enhanced understanding of biopathological mechanisms will facilitate development of better therapies for this disease.