Abstract:
Harmful metabolic processes are well underway during cold preservation of donor hearts. We discovered a method to increase the expression of beneficial enzymes which augment the production of anti-inflammatory metabolites. This leads to lowered oxidative stress, reduced myocardial injury and translates into better cardiac function following transplantation. Future strategies to reduce primary graft dysfunction could involve precise modulation of these cardiac metabolic pathways.

Bio:
Paul Tang is an Assistant Professor of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. His cardiothoracic surgery training was completed at Duke University Medical Center where he also received advanced training in heart transplantation, ventricular assist devices and aortic surgery. He has given talks and published widely on the natural history and surgical outcomes of these diseases. At Yale University, Dr. Tang completed a PhD focused on cardiovascular immunology. Dr. Tang's clinical practice includes surgical treatment of heart failure (i.e. heart transplantation, ventricular assist devices), valvular repair or replacement, and aortic aneurysm surgery. He is an investigator in various national clinical trials for heart failure management, and is a member of professional societies such as The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, American Heart Association, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.​​​​​​​

Zoom:
https://umich.zoom.us/j/91375430500