BIO Blog

The heart is a magnificent organ –simple in function, yet intricate in composition. Whenever I see the heart at work lying exposed on the operating table, I find myself deeply awed by its beauty and elegance. At first glance, the heart appears so vulnerable, but it is in this deceiving simplicity that this tough pump works so efficiently to circulate the blood within our bodies.

I discovered my interest in the heart at a young age, one that continues to grow every time I enter the operating room. In conducting research with my mentor, Dr. Rosemary Kelly, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the VA hospital, I’ve found a perfect blending of my fascination with the heart and cardiac surgery as well as my desire for learning and new challenges. Dr. Kelly is currently interested in the effects of revascularization of the chronic hibernating myocardium on the reversal of reduction in regional function and normalization of bioenergetic adaptations of the mitochondria. While this seems like a mouthful, it’s actually quite a comprehensible concept. As a surgeon by profession, she is interested in learning why the heart conditions of some patients are significantly bettered following revascularization or cardiac bypass procedure, while others remain constant or worsen. It is known that in patients with chronic ischemia, cardiac muscle cells revert to a chronic “hibernating” state, neither dying nor functioning at normal rates. Dr. Kelly hypothesizes that the ability of these cells to regain function after revascularization has something to do with the mitochondria. To test this hypothesis in an animal model, Dr. Kelly induced ischemia in pigs with the placement of an occluder in the LAD followed by revascularization after several weeks and a series of tests to identify similarities and differences between successful and unsuccessful cases. The goal is to identify specific uncoupling proteins that may be significant factors in determining success rates.

To complement Dr. Kelly’s study, I will try to conduct a cell-based model with the help of Dr. Jesus Cabrera to see whether the results found at the organism level can be replicated at the cellular level. I will begin by growing smooth muscle cells in hypoxic and normal conditions, testing for differences in protein content and expression levels, and seeing whether cells grown in hypoxic conditions can regain cell function. I will also attempt to culture cardiomyocytes, a formidable challenge, as these cells tend to become fibroblast and lose function soon after they are collected.

As I delve deeper into the research lab, I find that I have many more questions than I will probably have time to answer. I wonder about how to effectively isolate cardiomyocytes and culture cardiomyocytes for a long enough period so that actual tests can be conducted. I wonder what exact proteins and differences can be found between cells that can regain function and ones that don’t and whether certain drugs can have an effect on this ability. While I know research takes great quantities of time and patience to complete, I am excited to continue working in the lab this semester. I am motivated by the knowledge and experiences I will undoubtedly gain and hopeful about the major implications this study can have for the future of bypass surgery.

Posted by Xiaoying Lou at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I was riding the campus connecter the other day when I noticed a sticker on the seat in front of me. Like some gift that arrives when it’s least expected, this particular sticker came to me at a much-needed time, after an overly long and tiring day of classes. In simple block letters, it read, “Life is too beautiful to give up”. And while I usually don’t take random stickers I find to heart, this quote seemed to stick. I find myself looking more and more closely at the world around me.

In Biology 2002, we worked on a fluorescent microscopy lab. We stained cells from an “immortalized” mouse cardiac fibroblast cell line with phalloidin, anti-tubulin antibody and DAPI to identify actin, tubulin and DNA nuclei, respectively. After staining the cover slips containing the cells ourselves, we got to look at our slides underneath a fluorescent microscope. The fluorescent microscope sends light through a filter, illuminating the cell sample with light within a narrow band of wavelengths. Some light is absorbed, while other wavelengths of light are emitted. Each cell, appearing unimpressive at first glance, is in fact, a beautiful and intricate array of organelles, observed in radiant color under the fluorescent microscope. I was astounded by the amount of detail I could see, in something as seemingly simple as a cell.

As I walk around campus, I take the time to admire the shades of oranges and yellows and reds surrounding me. I take the time to watch the leaves fluttering in gentle breezes and listen to their soft rustling. I take the time to notice the brilliant blue of the sky with only thin wisps of clouds floating past, or the way the sun glints off the downtown skyscape, making light appear to dance on glass.

Life gets complicated and hectic; disappointments and occasional defeats are inevitable. But if I take the time to observe my surroundings and let the simplicities of life amaze me, I find happiness.
Finding beauty in the simple things - that, I believe, is what really makes life infinitely fascinating and ultimately, truly meaningful.

Posted by Xiaoying Lou at 03:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It’s hard to believe that my first semester of college is already half over. At times, it’s been completely stressful and utterly exhausting, like I’m drowning in a mixture of emotions - uncertainty and frustration swirling all around me. And other times, I feel strangely under control, accepting of the person I am and optimistic about the future I see for myself. In many ways, college is what I’ve always thought it would be - an opportunity to develop my independence and meet some amazing new people while partaking in some crazy adventures. In other ways, my first few months in college have definitely provided me with a much needed reality check. I’m still slightly shocked by the amount of work I must put in to receive even a decent score on an exam, and I know it’s not going to get any easier. It’s a constant struggle trying to balance work and play while devoting time to pursue my goals and dreams.
I’ve realized these past few months that I need a bit of time to myself everyday. This is not only good for maintaining my sanity, but it’s also a great way to reflect on what I’ve done and what I still desire to do. I just sit and listen to some calming music and take the time to dream. I try to keep in mind that I have places I want to go, things I want to do and accomplish and experience in life. In the jumble of everyday stresses, I tend to lose track of that sometimes. Life is hard right now, but I’m hopeful I’ll find my way in the end.

Posted by Xiaoying Lou at 03:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm a College of Biological Sciences freshman this year, and I plan to major in biochemistry and minor in business management. In the future, I hope to attend medical school, eventually pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery.

Posted by CBS at 04:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)