The University of Chicago's Awad Lab is making strides in understanding and preventing strokes and brain bleeds, conditions that significantly contribute to disability and death worldwide. Led by neurosurgeon Issam Awad, the lab focuses on predicting these events before they occur.
Awad's team employs specialized MRIs and blood tests to identify biomarkers that indicate a risk of brain bleeds. "We have some extremely precise tests to measure molecular levels," said Awad, highlighting their ability to detect signals of potential bleeding.
Graduate students Abhinav Srinath and Aditya Jhaveri contribute to this research. Srinath explained, "If we can understand some of the changes that happen prior to brain bleeds, we can help patients make lifestyle changes or take certain therapeutics."
Awad elaborated on the causes of brain bleeding: "Strokes or bleeding in the brain happen because the blood vessels weaken over time." He noted various risk factors including smoking, drug use, and genetic predispositions.
The lab also explores treatments using animal models. "We work with mice who have genes or variations that could make them bleed," Awad said. This research aims to stabilize blood vessels and prevent future bleeds.
On genetic diseases causing bleeding, Awad remarked: "There are very rare diseases where you inherit the gene that actually makes you more prone to bleed." His clinic attracts patients with such conditions for which they provide targeted treatment options.
The lab's efforts align with precision medicine goals. Jhaveri stated: "The goal is precision medicine that emphasizes non-invasive therapies."
Reflecting on his dual role as a researcher and clinician, Awad expressed his commitment: "I deal with families devastated by disease...the other half of my life...is to try to understand why this happens."
Both Srinath and Jhaveri highlighted how working in Awad’s lab impacts patient care directly. The collaborative environment at the University of Chicago supports their innovative work. As Jhaveri put it: "I get to work closely with pathologists, geneticists, and immunologists...all well established."
Awad concluded by praising the university's unique resources: "The micro-CT scan...is quite unique in the country...I've adapted that scan to study bleeding in the brain."