Page 152 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

Cardiometabolic Health
Research Unit

UNIT DIRECTORS:
Prof. Glenda Davison
davisong@cput.ac.za
Prof. Tandi Matsha
tandi.matsha-erasmus@smu.ac.za

Overview of the Research Unit Key Milestones and Achievements

Cardiometabolic disease is rising rapidly in Goal 1: Investigating immune responses
Africa and South Africa. It is hypothesised that in the development of systemic
the development of these diseases and their inflammation and cardiovascular
complications is due to the complex interaction
between epigenetic, genetic, behavioural, and disease (CVD)
environmental factors, which result in chronic Systemic inflammation is a major contributor to
inflammation and the onset of cardiovascular CVD, and endothelial dysfunction (ED) serves as
disease, diabetes, renal disease, and other non- an early indicator. The study aimed to measure
communicable diseases. Many individuals in endothelial-associated molecules (V-CAM, I-CAM,
Africa and South Africa remain undiagnosed and TNF) and to correlate the findings with the CIMT
untreated. ultrasound test to evaluate whether these cytokines
could act as early markers of ED and support the use
To address this challenge, the SAMRC/CPUT of less expensive and standardised tests. The work
Cardiometabolic Health Research Unit’s mandate has been completed, and the results are currently
is to investigate the unique risk factors and under analysis, showing promising outcomes.
pathophysiological changes behind this group
of diseases and to develop and propose early Goal 2: Investigating the role of single
biomarkers to identify patients at risk. These studies nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and
and investigations have the potential to significantly miRNAs in the pathogenesis of diabetes
impact the rising burden of disease and could lead in this mixed-ancestry community
to strategies to prevent the onset of cardiovascular Two studies were conducted. One examined two
disease.
SNPs (CRY2 and G6PC) and found that both could
The SAMRC/CPUT Cardiometabolic Health predict the risk of diabetes in this population.
Extramural Unit aims to investigate cardiometabolic The other measured SNPs in the Fructosamine-3-
disease using an integrated approach. The unit Kinase gene and found that these could explain the
focuses on four key areas: the role of epigenetic discordance between HbA1c and other measures of
mechanisms, the oral microbiota, immune function glycaemia. Both investigations have been published
and endothelial dysfunction, and the impact of and provide valuable insights into current and
environmental and lifestyle factors. A further goal future biomarkers of diabetic control.
is to translate these studies into strategies that A third study examined the expression of three
will improve the prevention, early detection, and miRNAs and inflammatory cytokines over two time
treatment of cardiovascular disease in South Africa.
points in a cohort of patients with diabetes. The
study evaluated how potential biomarkers change

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