Current Research Projects

The VCCBH supports Research Project Leader(s) to conduct research that aligns with the Center’s mission and that propels them to independence using team-based, interdisciplinary mentorship from Senior Mentors and Peer Mentors who have recently attained independence.
Headshot image of the researcher adorned with an award, posed outdoors in front of a distant building.

Project Director: Diego A Adrianzen, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Medicine
Department of Medicine-Hematology Oncology
University of Vermont

Publications

Project: Risk Prediction and Inflammatory Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease in Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Project Description
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Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are blood cancers caused by acquired mutations in cells of the bone marrow that give rise to blood cells (bone marrow progenitors). These mutations also cause excess inflammation in blood vessels and risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are a large source of complications and mortality in patients with MDS. Dr. Adrianzen Herrera’s previous work has described that MDS patients have a high risk for CVD and death from CVD. His current project has two goals. First, he will develop and validate a clinical tool to predict risk of CVD in patients with MDS. Second, he will study biomarker changes in the blood in people with MDS. The ultimate goal is to understand why people with MDS develop CVD and how this can be prevented. 

Project Figure
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Image showing how patients with myelodysplastic Syndromes (blood cancers) are at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

PDF describing image: Role of myelodysplastic syndromes in cardiovascular disease

Project Mentorship Team
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Senior Mentor
Neil Zakai, MD, MSc

Senior Mentor
Ira Bernstein, MD

Peer Mentor
Nels Olson, PhD

External Mentor
Pamela Lutsey, PhD, MPH