Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
Oxidation/reduction (redox) processes play a vital role in the regulation of numerous cellular pathways within a living organism. It is important that these processes remain tightly regulated in order to maintain redox homeostasis. Alteration in this balance triggers a range of intracellular responses that could affect the cell cycle and induce apoptosis, while redox in–balances in the extracellular environment can disrupt inter– and intra–molecular disulfide bonds, important for stabilising protein structure and function. Therefore, the redox state of a particular tissue or biological fluid is considered to be a critical factor in the pathogenesis of many disease states and disorders.
The chronic wound bed is an environment that is exposed to extreme changes in redox and pH. Sustained inflammation and ischemic conditions result in the release of free radicals such as superoxide, hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide causing redox in–balance with in wound tissue. Although these free radicals play an important role in the wound healing process, elevated levels of these species have harmful effects at both the cellular and tissue levels. Hypoxic conditions in the wound also result in a switch to anaerobic metabolism and a subsequent accumulation of acidic end–point metabolites including lactic acid. Impaired circulatory clearance of these metabolites exacerbates localised acidosis causing further tissue damage. Despite the importance of redox status and pH of the chronic wound it is not widely examined in clinical settings. The aim of this project is to assess chronic wound fluid samples using a variety of biochemical test methods. Ultimately, this project aims to identify biochemical markers that may prove useful as rapid indicators of wound healing progress and status. Furthermore, these investigations may elucidate the pathogenesis of chronic wounds which in turn may lead to the development of new therapies targeting these processes.
Methods and techniques that will be developed in the course of this project: This project will involve the development of a variety of biochemical test methods suitable for measuring classic redox couples including glutathione (GSH/GSSG) and cysteine (Cys/CySS). Other biochemical tests will include the determination of total, protein–bound and free sulfhydryl concentrations, potentiometry and the measurement of common end–point metabolic acid concentrations.
- Study level
- Honours
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
- Please contact the supervisor for enquiries.
Dr Gary Shooter
Professor Zee Upton
