Page 129 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Cardiometabolic Health
Research Unit

Unit director:
Prof. Tandi Matsha

Prioritising responsive research
through impactful interventions

The prevalence of non-communicable diseases
(NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic
kidney disease, and cardiovascular diseases is
rapidly increasing in Africa. The Cardiometabolic
Health Research Unit aims to investigate the
underlying risk factors and pathophysiological
changes contributing to these diseases, potentially
identifying early biomarkers for at-risk patients. By
understanding the complex interaction of genetic,
behavioural, and environmental factors leading
to metabolic disease, chronic inflammation, and Prof Davidson was part of the African
endothelial dysfunction, the unit seeks to develop Society for Laboratory Medicine writing
strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease onset. workshop in December 2023.
Significant progress has already been made by the
unit, including the identification of novel miRNAs
associated with diabetes, chronic kidney disease,
and hypertension. Studies have also revealed links
between an abnormal oral microbiome, periodontal
disease, and Type II diabetes onset, as well as the
potential diagnostic utility of alternative tests like
fructosamine and glycated albumin for diabetes.
Additionally, research has demonstrated the efficacy
of resveratrol in reversing cellular damage caused by a
high-glucose environment. Moving forward, the unit
plans to investigate cardiometabolic diseases using
an integrated approach, focusing on epigenetic Staff and students at the first SAMRC/CPUT
mechanisms, the oral microbiota, immune function, Cardiometabolic Health Research Unit
endothelial dysfunction, and lifestyle factors. These symposium in November 2023.
efforts align with national goals outlined in the
National Development Plan (NDP), particularly
in improving education, training, and innovation,
as well as promoting health and reducing the
prevalence of NCDs. The unit contributes to the NDP
by training researchers, including underrepresented

SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24 127