Students: Francesca Morrell
Project: Morphometric Analysis of Elastic Matrix Structural Changes in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Patients with Large Aneurysms | View Poster (PDF)
Major: Bioengineering
Advisor: Anand Ramamurthi
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) pose a significant health threat due to the risk of fatal rupture, primarily driven by the gradual expansion of the abdominal aorta. The pathogenesis involves the breakdown of elastin, a crucial extracellular matrix protein, attributed to the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and compensatory collagen synthesis. Despite current medical and surgical interventions, there are no effective strategies for regenerative repair of elastin, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its morphological features in the AAA environment.
This study focuses on advancing morphometric analysis beyond previous studies by quantifying critical parameters such as diameter, perimeter length, and tortuosity alongside the percentage of elastic fibers in tissue samples from AAA patients undergoing surgical repair. Utilizing a computer-based morphometry technique, aortic tissues from patients at the Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute were processed and analyzed. The morphometric parameters were computed to assess variations associated with demographics such as gender, smoking history, thrombus presence, atherosclerosis, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Notably, 81% of the tissue samples were from male patients aged between 55 and 85 years, revealing differences in various parameters, particularly in 82% of males with aortic dissection. These findings suggest a potential impact on elastin, emphasizing the need for further exploration. In conclusion, this research contributes crucial qualitative data for understanding tissue analysis in the context of AAA, laying groundwork for regenerative approaches in aortic injury. Ultimately, with the future direction of creating a database to predict when patients would need to undergo surgery with the data collected.
Acknowledgements: This research is done with the support of Lehigh University and under the advisement of Shataakshi Dahal.
About Francesca Morrell
I am a current senior pursuing a major in bioengineering with a specialization in pharmaceuticals. Over the past three years, my research endeavors in the Ramamurthi Lab have centered on developing an innovative project that integrates morphometric analysis with artificial intelligence, aiming to push the boundaries of medical innovation. My contributions to this project have been presented at esteemed events, including the Lehigh Bioengineering Symposium in 2023 and the Biomedical Engineering Society Conference in 2022 and 2023.
Outside the laboratory, I am an active member of the Lehigh Women’s Rowing Team, participating in three Patriot League Championships with plans to compete in one more at the end of the semester. My dedication extends beyond academics and athletics; I am deeply passionate about fostering success in those around me, contributing to the community, nurturing my faith, and embracing a continuous learning mindset.