On 19th March 2019, Dr. Ingy Mostafa Hashad, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, Egypt, presented on “Contribution of oxidative stress, Inflammation, Gap junctions & Gene polymorphism in the predisposition of acute myocardial Infarction”.
Dr. Ingy introduced the types of chemokines and highlighted the role of Fractalkine in chemotaxis and adhesion, both potential factors leading to cardiovascular problems. She further elaborated on Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidants (GSH peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) as contributory factors for oxidative stress and listed various factors influencing oxidative stress, a predictor for cardiovascular diseases including acute myocardial infarction. The presenter further focused on the concept of ‘Gene Polymorphism’ and ‘Single Nucleotide Polymorphism’ in relation to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Citing her research, carried out among matched controls and AMI patients, Dr. Ingy pointed out that oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to AMI.
This research presentation, addressing one of the contemporary areas of current clinical practice ‘antioxidants, dietary supplements and cardiovascular diseases’ raised several thought-provoking questions among participants, addressed during the questions and answer sessions.