Determination of therapeutic potential of different formulations of curcumin as an effective treatment option for pulmonary hypertension

Details

Pulmonary hypertension (PAH) is debilitating condition characterized by thick and stiff blood vessels that are unable to expand resulting in an increased pressure in the blood vessels supplying the lungs. This makes the heart work harder making it weak and can lead to heart failure. Changes in the functioning of some genes increase the risk of PAH. Currently there is no cure for this condition. Moreover, the current treatments are aimed at relieving the symptoms and delivered orally and hence have side effects.

Curcumin is a spice commonly used in south Asia and Indian Ayurvedic medicine and has anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. It is also known to inhibit the influence of the faulty genes. However, the low bioavailability is a significant problem which requires to be overcome to realize the potential of curcumin. The current PhD project proposes the synthesis of nano-emulsions of curcumin and investigate their effects, bioavailability, and safety on mammalian cells to determine its potential as a suitable treatment option for PAH.

How to apply

Formal applications can be made via the University of Bradford web site; applicants will need to register an account, select ‘Postgraduate Research’ as the course and then use the keyword ‘pharmacy’. Applicants should then specify the project title in the ‘Research Proposal’ section.

About the University of Bradford

Bradford is a research-active University supporting the highest-quality research. We excel in applying our research to benefit our stakeholders by working with employers and organisations world-wide across the private, public, voluntary and community sectors and actively encourage and support our postgraduate researchers to engage in research and business development activities.

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Funding Notes

This is a self-funded PhD project; applicants will be expected to pay their own fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts. A bench fee may apply in addition to tuition fees.