Diabetes & Hypertensive Diseases Research

Diabetes & Hypertensive Diseases focuses on the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension-related complications including cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease. We use clinical trials, experimental models, biobanks, and computational modeling to understand the causative mechanisms and develop novel therapies. Ultimately, we aim to optimize treatment for cardiovascular diseases related to type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney-disease.

Both diabetes and hypertension represent major threats to population health and health care in the Netherlands, with over 1 million people affected by diabetes alone. This prevalence is expected to increase by ~30 percent in the next 15 years. As obesity prevalence is expected to double in this period, type 2 diabetes mellitus, the metabolic syndrome (and their co-morbidities will profoundly affect our health and economy.

Both conditions share epidemiological features (like premature cardiovascular diseases of ageing), pathophysiological mechanisms (including systemic microvascular dysfunction) and clinically important cardiovascular complications.

Focus

The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetes-related complications and comorbidities
Novel therapies for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Cardiovascular disease driven by hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes and/or chronic kidney disease
To unravel the pathogenesis of hypertension and its link to cardiovascular disease
Novel hypertension therapies
Links between metabolic, cardiovascular (including heart failure), and kidney disease through impaired microvascular function

Unique research expertise

Biobank studies and computational modeling
Detailed human metabolic and hemodynamic phenotyping at clinical trial units including assessment of insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function and tissue based data obtained from biopsies
Clinical and experimental models (e.g. mice, co-cultures, subjects at risk) for microvascular dysfunction
Fecal microbiota transplantation studies
Studies investigating sodium and potassium homeostasis in people with chronic kidney disease

Aim

Our overall goal is to lead in translational population-based, clinical and basic research focusing on diabetes, hemodynamic and metabolic derangements that lead to cardiovascular and kidney complications.