Exploring How Diabetes Affects the Heart’s Ability to Heal

For Diabetes Month, we sat down with Megan Meechem, a PhD candidate whose primary mentor is Dr. Vaibhav Patel, PhD, to get a glimpse into her research. Diabetes is closely linked with cardiovascular disease. In fact, about 70 per cent of people with diabetes over age 65 die from some form of heart disease. 

Tell us about your research.

Mesenchymal stem cells are adult stem cells found in various tissues throughout the human body, including the fat that surrounds the heart in large animal models and humans. These cells have an ability to repair tissue and can help mitigate complications from some conditions. My research focuses on understanding the impact of diabetes on these stem cells. In the lab, I isolate the stem cells from human patients and treat them with a diabetic cocktail to see how their reparative abilities are affected. 

What is the goal of this work? 

The goal of this work is to develop new therapies for cardiovascular patients with diabetes. More research needs to be done to see the impacts of long-term exposure to a diabetic environment on the stem cells, but we have found the regenerative ability in the stem cells to be acutely impacted. 

Is there anything unique about this work? 

This particular stem cell population is relatively unstudied. I am fortunate to be able to obtain tissue samples from patients undergoing cardiovascular surgeries. Without that collaboration, it wouldn’t be possible for me to do this work. 

Why does diabetes have a physiological effect on the cardiovascular system? 

There are multiple reasons. Diabetes can lead to detrimental inflammatory cascades and metabolic dysfunction in the heart. Scientists also know that diabetes accelerates the build up of plaque in the blood vessels, which can dislodge and lead to a heart attack. Researchers are still investigating causes.   

How did you get into this field of research? 

I have always had a fascination for science. As a child, I read books on anatomy – it was a big interest for me. In high school, I particularly loved biology, especially anatomy and physiology, so pursuing science in postsecondary school was natural for me.

I also have a personal interest. My family has a strong history of cardiovascular disease: my Grandpa survived one of the first triple bypass surgeries in Canada, my Grandma suffered from a stroke and my Uncle passed away from a heart attack before the age of 50. I started recognizing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the community, and I realized a lot more research needs to be done. 

What’s next? 

I have always wanted to be a physician, so I am hoping to attend medical school after completing my PhD. My goal is to bridge my basic science research background with clinical practice to provide the best care for individuals living with complex diseases, such as diabetes.