Research Interests:

This laboratory has research interests focusing on cardiac and arterial structure and function, and includes exploring the age-associated changes in arterial structure and function, how they interact with aging, lifestyle, and various disease states, in particular the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), and how they influence the structure and function of the heart.

The MetS is a cluster of metabolic risk factors that include: abdominal obesity; dyslipidemia; elevated blood pressure; insulin resistance/glucose intolerance; prothrombotic state; and a proinflammatory state. Presently, the MetS afflicts more than 47 million Americans (American Heart Association), is highly prevalent in West Virginia, and is a substantial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

We are interested in characterizing the determinants of the MetS-associated changes, (and with its individual components) in both arterial and cardiac structure and function, with particular emphasis on exploring the properties of the vasculature, including arterial wall thickness, compliance, and reactivity, investigating how they interact with aging, lifestyle, and whether the changes differ by sex. We are also exploring how the MetS impact the structure and function of the heart. Indeed, arterial-ventricular coupling is an important determinant of cardiac performance and energetics. The capacity of the body to augment cardiac output, regulate systemic blood pressure, and respond appropriately to elevations in heart rate and preload depends on both the properties of the heart and the properties of the arterial system into which the heart ejects blood. We therefore believe we can gain addition insight into the effects of MetS on the cardiovascular system, as well as the cardiovascular reserve, from examining the coupling between the heart and the arterial system.

While the primary focus of this laboratory is on human research. One of our goals is to translate findings at the basic level and incorporate them into our human research and vice versa. We are therefore setting up links with basic scientists in the Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences.

Selected Publications:

1. PD Chantler, and Lakatta EG. The Role of Body Size on Cardiovascular Function: Can We See the Meat Through the Fat? Hypertension. 2009; 54(3):459-61
2. PD Chantler, Lakatta EG, Najjar SS. Arterial-Ventricular Coupling: Mechanistic Insights into Cardiovascular Performance at Rest and During Exercise. J Appl Physiol. 2008; 105: 1342-1351.
3. PD Chantler, Melenovsky V, Schulman SP, Gerstenblith G, Becker LC, Ferrucci L, Fleg JL, Lakatta EG, Najjar SS. The Sex-Specific Impact of Systolic Hypertension and Systolic Blood Pressure on Arterial-Ventricular Coupling at Rest and During Exercise. Am J Physiol. 2008; 295: H145-H153.
4. DF Goldspink, George KP, Chantler PD, Clements RE, Sharp L, Hodges G, Stephenson C, Reilly TP, Patwala A, Szakmany T, Tan LB, Cable NT. A Study of Presbycardia, with Gender Differences Favouring Ageing Women. International Journal of Cardiology. 2008; 12;137(3):236-45
5. PD Chantler, Goldspink DF, Clements RE, Sharp L, Schlosshan D, Tan LB. Congestive Heart Failure: Extent of Cardiac Functional Changes Caused by Aging and Organ Dysfunction. Heart. 2006; 92(5):686-8.
6. EG Lakatta, and Chantler PD. Payments for Debts Associated with Exercise Can Become Higher As We Age and Limit Exercise Capacity. J Am Coll Cardiol.2006; 206; 47(5):1058-9
7. PD Chantler, Clements RE, Sharp L, George KP, Tan LB, Goldspink DF. The Influence of Body Size on Measurements of Overall Cardiac Function. Am J Physiol. 2005; 289(5): H2059-65.

Selected Scientific Papers Presented in National & International Conferences:

1. PD Chantler, Doran D, Jones S, and Leatt P (2002). Effects of Acute Exercise on Blood Lipid Profiles of HIV+ Individuals undergoing ‘HAART’ Therapy: Preliminary Observations”. 12th Commonwealth International Sport Conference, England.
2. PD Chantler, Clements RE, Sharp L, Tan LB, and Goldspink DF (2003). Cardiac Power Output and Ageing. European Muscle Conference, Montpellier, France.
3. PD Chantler, Clements RE, Sharp L, Tan LB, and Goldspink DF (2003). Cardiac Power Output in Ageing Sedentary & Endurance Trained Men. Physiological Society, Cambridge, England.
4. PD Chantler, Clements RE, Sharp L, Tan LB, and Goldspink DF (2004). The Power Output of the Ageing and Failing Human Heart and the Benefits of Endurance Training. 9th European College of Sports Science. Clermont-Ferrand, France.
5. PD Chantler, Sharp L, Tan LB, and Goldspink DF (2004). Age-and Gender Related Differences in the Maximal Performance of the Heart. International Society for Heart Research. Melbourne, Australia.
6. PD Chantler, Clements RE, Sharp L, Tan LB, and Goldspink DF (2004). Blood Pressure Generating Capacity is a Component in Measuring Overall Cardiac Function. XVIII World Congress International Society for Heart Research. Brisbane, Australia.
7. PD Chantler, Ferrucci L, Gerstenblith G,  Fleg JL, Schulman SP, Melenovsky V, Becker LC, Lakatta EG, Najjar SS (2007). Synergistic Effects of Systolic Hypertension and Female Sex on the Arterial-Ventricular Coupling Ratio. American College of Cardiology 56th Annual Scientific Sessions.
8. PD Chantler, Ferrucci L, Gerstenblith G,  Fleg JL, Schulman SP, Melenovsky V, Becker LC, Lakatta EG, Najjar SS (2008). Normal Individuals Who Do Not Increase Arterial Load During Exercise Have a Higher Long Term Mortality. American College of Cardiology 57th Annual Scientific Sessions.
9. PD Chantler, Ferrucci L, Gerstenblith G,  Fleg JL, Schulman SP Melenovsky V, Becker LC, Lakatta EG, Najjar SS (2008). The Effects of Systolic Hypertension on Arterial-Ventricular Coupling at Rest & During Exercise in Men and Women. American College of Sports Medicine 55th Annual Meeting.
10. PD Chantler, Ferrucci L, Gerstenblith G,  Fleg JL, Schulman SP Melenovsky V, Becker LC, Lakatta EG, Najjar SS (2009). The Change in Arterial Load During Exercise is Associated with Differing Arterial & Left Ventricular Patterns. American College of Sports Medicine 56th Annual Meeting.

Lab Personnel:

 
Brian Reger, Sara Fournier, Dr. Paul Chantler.