Led by Dr Clare Hawkins

The main focus of the Inflammation Unit is to understand how the damaging oxidants produced by peroxidases alter cells in the wall of human arteries and how this contributes to the development of heart disease. This is very important for the development of protective strategies to minimise cardiovascular disease.

Peroxidases are enzymes released by white blood cells under inflammatory conditions. They play a key role in the human immune system by producing reactive chemicals called oxidants to kill bacteria and invading pathogens. However, these reactive chemicals have also been shown to cause damage to the arteries, which may result in the development of atherosclerosis.

In the body, peroxidases utilise both chloride and a compound called thiocyanate, to generate reactive chemicals (also known as oxidants) called hypochlorous acid (HOCl), and hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) respectively. Hypochlorous acid is familiar to us all as it is the active ingredient in household bleach. We have a particular interest in the reactions of hypothiocyanous acid, as thiocyanate provides a possible link between smoking and heart disease. Smokers have elevated levels of thiocyanate in their blood relative to non-smokers, and are known to be at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Current Projects

Role of thiocyanate-derived oxidants in heart disease