The Vascular Research programme at Salford involves risk identification, stratification and health implementation strategies designed to reduce complication rates and mortality in population-based cohorts of patients with diabetes and CKD. The group, which combines diabetes and renal research, has extensive well-equipped general laboratory facilities on site and strong established links with several departments in the University of Manchester (CIGMR - genomics; Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research; Bioanalytical Science and ISBE), statistical support from Professor Diggle at the University of Lancaster and ongoing research with Dr R Foley, Nephrology Analytical Services, Minneapolis, US. Our research programme has a strong epidemiological theme, with joined up projects investigating the spectrum of CKD from early disease managed in the community to progressive CKD and then ESRD managed in a specialist centre. Key research themes are :
 

• Community projects include the NeoErica (New opportunities for Early Renal Intervention by Computerised Assessment) study, which, in collaboration with a research group in Kent was the first study to estimate the prevalence of CKD in the UK using MDRD calculated eGFR1.
• The Long Term Conditions Integrated Information System, which is a unique database amalgamating primary and secondary care records in Salford, facilitates the group’s studies on the management of early CKD and its complications.

• The CRISIS cohort is the cornerstone of the group’s epidemiological studies into progressive CKD, involving a prospective cohort of > 1500 out-patients with CKD (not on dialysis) who have been carefully phenotyped to look at renal functional and cardiovascular outcomes in relation to serological biomarkers and genomic predispositions. .

• A comprehensive program of research in atherosclerotic renovascular disease (ARVD). This has involved several epidemiologic studies facilitated by one of the largest databases of ARVD patients in the world; (> 770 patients). Innovative research involving MR based renal perfusion imaging has brought new insights into the investigation of ARVD, work that has been supported by KRUK grants. Salford were the leading patient recruiter into the ASTRAL trial and the lead nephrologist for this trial is also based within the VRG.

• A programme of in vitro bovine vascular smooth muscle cell culture which, in collaboration with Dr Ann Canfield, Cell-Matrix Research, is investigating the mechanisms of action of potential inhibitors of calcification.

• A major interest in clinical vascular calcification; including the design of and lead role in the UK calciphylaxis project

• International recognition for identifying the role of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system as a major contributor to premature macrovascular disease. This work continues with current expansion to encompass genomic, proteomic and metabolomic factors associated with premature vascular disease.

• Development of electronic data gathering and data linkage has enabled the group to become a leading centre for the development of benchmarking and audit tools to support the diabetes and renal NSFs.