Dr. Eagleton’s research involves understanding the processes leading to the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a potentially fatal bulge or ballooning of a portion of the main artery (aorta) leading from the heart to lower portions of the body. Age, smoking, high cholesterol, family health history and atherosclerotic disease all contribute to an increased risk for the development of aortic aneurysms. In the majority of cases, the presence of an AAA remains undetected until the aneurysm ruptures or is found incidentally while the patient is undergoing evaluation for another problem. Currently, the only available treatment for aortic aneurysm disease is surgical repair. No medical therapies exist.
A group of protein enzymes (matrix metalloproteinases) play an important role in the degeneration of the aorta and the development of an aneurysm. The mechanisms that lead to the increased production and activity of these enzymes during the process of aneurysm formation are not well defined. Dr. Eagleton's research will entail learning more about these enzymes in order to understand how aneurysms form. The hope is that this project will result in the development of a drug therapy to limit the growth of an aneurysm or to prevent it from forming.
Learn more about Matthew J. Eagleton , MD…
