This research unit was established in
1998 within the Department of Health
Sciences as the only of its kind
in
Africa
. The Unit focuses on fibrin network
architecture and haemostasis related
to thrombosis. Both basic and applied
studies are performed. Basic projects
mainly include the study of protein
chemistry and biochemistry. Applied
projects include all
medical-industrial, epidemiological,
clinical, nutritional and
pharmacological studies related to
fibrinogen and its natural
derivative, fibrin.
Recent studies include the
development of food supplements
aimed at lowering the risk of
the development of
cardiovascular heart disease.
The Unit also underlines the
importance of collaborative
studies, not only with other
higher education institutions,
but also the private sector and
industry. Funding is mostly
obtained from the National
Research Foundation and the
Medical Research Council, but a
contract research programme also
provides for other means of
funding. All basic laboratory
analysis can be completed within
the Unit. Clinical chemistry,
immunology and haemostatic
profiles can be measured using
state-of-the-art equipment. This
equipment is also made available
to other interested external
parties in order to create
further income for expansion of
the Unit.
Important projects that were
completed recently include the
investigation of the possible
mechanisms through which dietary
derived fatty acids influence
fibrin network architecture in
hyper cholesterolaemic subjects.
The results of this study open
new possibilities for the future
development of lipid lowering
research. Other completed
projects were mainly of
community nature, valuable for
the South African population as
a whole. These projects form
part of the active community
service program of the Unit and
aims at upliftment of
disadvantaged population
groups.
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