Ha Nguyen
School of Medicine
College of Health
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.
With a background of training in Medicine (MD, Hanoi Medical University) and Medical Science (PhD, University of Adelaide), I am a basic and translation cardiovascular/imaging researcher, mastering a wide range of clinical and basic science techniques, and undertaking an overseas research fellowship in Oxford and Norwich, UK, in 2016.My current research relates to three areas:- (i) pathogenesis and treatment of aortic valve disease, (ii) diagnosis, natural history and pathogenesis of Takotsubo (“stress”) cardiomyopathy, and (iii) mechanistic interactions with inflammatory activation and glycocalyx shedding in cardiovascular disease.
Contributions to the field of Research:
As regards aortic valve disease, my research has focus on
(a) The roles of inflammatory activation and impaired nitric oxide signalling in valve degeneration in patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV), a condition which is the most common congenital heart defect and affects approximately 1–2% adults (Figure 1).
(b) The potential for therapeutic retardation of valve disease progression, both in the context to BAV and in anatomically normal valve.
Within the area of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) (Takotsubo means octopus trap in Japanese, see Figure 2), I have identified the utility of measuring inflammatory release of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP as accessories to expedite diagnosis. I have also contributed to the concept that nitrosative stress may underlie the condition (patent arising: University of Adelaide, 2013) and have established that prolonged inflammation results in slow recovery in such patients.
I have recently investigated the potential involvement of glycocalyx shedding in a number of acute and chronic cardiovascular disorders, utilizing serial measurement of plasma concentrations of SD-1. In acute myocardial infarction, out lab has demonstrated that syndecan-1 (SD-1) levels, which is which is the most prevalent proteoglycan component of glycocalyx, are elevated relatively soon after the onset of symptoms, but rise sharply post reperfusion. SD-1 release also occurs in severe chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), in new onset atrial fibrillation (AF), and acute episode of TTC.
Quality of research output:
Main contributions from publications including 2 reviews and 1 editorial on TTC are related to
(i) BNP/NT-proBNP release
(ii) Its relationship to myocardial oedema
And (iii) Its relationship to slow echographic recovery (and impaired quality of life).
The studies on NO signaling in TTC led to my being awarded a plenary presentation on this subject at recent international ADMA meeting, one of 11 international presentations to date and one oral presentation at the European Society of Cardiology meeting.
The studies on glycocalyx shedding in TTC have recently presented at the American Heart Association Scientific meeting and published in International Journal of Cardiology in 2017.
As regards AS, a recently published case-control analysis of BAV revealed a potential role for myeloperoxidase in disease progression, as well as demonstrating the presence of endothelial dysfunction in BAV.
Research Projects:
Project 1: Improving outcomes after takotsubo (broken heart) syndrome
Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) affects many ageing patients, especially women, and is often mistaken for heart attacks. We are trying to improve diagnosis, emergency and long-term treatment of TTS, using both clinical and basic investigation strategies.
Available for Honours, Masters and PhD students
Location: QEH/BHI.
Start: Semester 1 2020
Special requirements: Vaccination required
Project 2. Coronary artery spasm
The research group has recently found that coronary artery spasm, a common cause of cardiac crises, is due to interactions between activated platelets and the vascular surface of the coronary blood vessels, with poor vascular and platelet responsiveness to nitric oxide. We have preliminary data on the underlying mechanisms whereby coronary spasm presents with episodic crises, and wish to validate these pilot data, simultaneously turning the information into the bases for new therapeutic options for these patients, and also possibly for other patients with angina.
Available for Honours, Masters and PhD students
Location: QEH/BHI.
Start: Semester 1 2020
Special requirements: Vaccination required
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 - ongoing | Post doctoral Research Fellow | University of Adelaide, Adelaide |
| 2007 - 2008 | Physician | Friendship Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam |
| 1997 - 2004 | Physician | Friendship Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam |
| 1996 - 1997 | Physician | Friendship Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam |
| Date | Type | Title | Institution Name | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Award | Heart Foundation “Tom Simpson Trust Fund” | - | Australia | - |
| 2012 | Scholarship | Heart Foundation SA “E.O Myers Trust Fund”, Travelling Grant | - | Australia | - |
| 2012 | Award | Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand: European Society of Cardiology, Travelling Grant | - | - | - |
| 2010 | Research Award | The SA Heart Education and Research Foundation, PhD research prize | - | Australia | - |
| 2008 | Scholarship | The University of Adelaide Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarship | - | Australia | - |
| Language | Competency |
|---|---|
| Vietnamese | Can peer review |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 - 2012 | University of Adelaide, Adelaide | Australia | PhD |
| 2004 - 2007 | University of Adelaide, Adelaide | Australia | Master of Medical Science |
| 1992 - 1996 | Hanoi University, Hanoi | Vietnam | Bachelor of Foreign Language (English) |
| 1990 - 1996 | Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi | Vietnam | Doctor of Medicine |
| Date | Title | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Postdoctoral Research | University of Adelaide, Adelaide | Australia |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Imam, H., Nguyen, T. H., Tu, S., Tonnu, O., Chirkov, Y., & Horowitz, J. (2018). Pathogenesis of coronary artery spasm: a critical role for impaired platelet nitric oxide signaling. In EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL Vol. 39 (pp. 336). Munich, GERMANY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS. |
| 2017 | Nguyen, T. H., Stansborough, J., Ong, G. J., Surikow, S., Frenneaux, M. P., & Horowitz, J. D. (2017). Implications of "Secondary" Takotsubo Syndrome on Short and Longterm Event Rates. In CIRCULATION Vol. 136 (pp. 2 pages). Anaheim, CA: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. |
| 2017 | Imam, H., Nguyen, T. H., Tee, S. -L., Tonnu, O., Chirkov, Y. Y., & Horowitz, J. D. (2017). Impaired cGMP and cAMP signaling in patients with coronary vasospasm: changes during acute crises. In EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL Vol. 38 (pp. 794). OXFORD UNIV PRESS. |
| 2017 | Nguyen, T. (2017). Impaired activity of platelet soluble guanylate cyclase and adenylate cyclase signaling in patients with coronary vasospasm: changes during acute crises.. In European Heart Journal. UK: Oxford University Press. |
| 2010 | Kucia, A., Neil, C., Nguyen, T., Beltrame, J., Arstall, M., & Horowitz, J. (2010). Evolution of ECG changes in Tako Tsubo Cardiomyopathy: Arrhythmias first, QT Prolongation later?. In Proceedings of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand and the International Society for Heart Research Australasian Section Annual Scientific meeting Vol. 19 (pp. 225). Elsevier BV. DOI |
| 2007 | Nguyen, T. H. (2007). Does induction of myocardial ischaemia by dipyridamole mimic physiological stress?. In Heart, Lung and Circulation. Christchurch: Blackwell Publishing Inc.. |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Liu, S., Nguyen, T. H., Imam, H., Heresztyn, T., Stafford, I., Chirkov, Y. Y., & Horowitz, J. D. (2019). Coronary artery spasm: a consequence of impaired nitric oxide/hydrogen sulphide signalling?. Poster session presented at the meeting of EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. Paris, FRANCE: OXFORD UNIV PRESS. |
| 2019 | Nguyen, T. H., Liu, S., Imam, H., Heresztyn, T., Stafford, I., Chirkov, Y. Y., & Horowitz, J. D. (2019). Pathogenesis of symptomatic crises in patients with coronary artery spasm: evidence for acute damage to vascular glycocalyx and to circulating platelets. Poster session presented at the meeting of EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. Paris, FRANCE: OXFORD UNIV PRESS. |
| 2019 | Ong, G. J., Stansborough, J., Nguyen, T. H., & Horowitz, J. D. (2019). Iatrogenic takotsubo syndrome: incidence and impact. Poster session presented at the meeting of EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. Paris, FRANCE: OXFORD UNIV PRESS. |
| 2017 | Imam, H., Nguyen, T. H., Chirkov, Y., De Caterina, R., & Horowitz, J. (2017). Adenylate cyclase signaling is an important post-receptor determinant of response to all P2Y12 receptor antagonists. Poster session presented at the meeting of European Heart Journal. Barcelona: Oxford University Press. DOI |
| 2017 | Nguyen, T. H. (2017). Hypotension at admission and extent of release of NT-proBNP and catecholamines are associated with increased medium-term mortality rate in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.. Poster session presented at the meeting of European Heart Journal. Bardelona: Oxford University Press. |
| 2016 | Assadi-Khansari, B., Chua, S. J., Chapman, M., Ali, O., Nguyen, H., Horowitz, J. D., . . . Ngo, D. T. M. (2016). Follistatin-like 3 predicts aortic root enlargement in patients with bicuspid aortic valve. Poster session presented at the meeting of EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. Rome, ITALY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS. |
| 2016 | Nguyen, T. H., Liu, S., Ong, G., Stafford, I., Frenneaux, M., & Horowitz, J. D. (2016). Glycocalyx shedding is markedly increased during the acute phase of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Poster session presented at the meeting of Abstracts of the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions and Resuscitation Science Symposium 2016, as published in Circulation. New Orleans, LA: American Heart Association. |
| 2015 | Nguyen, T. (2015). Nitric oxide plays a janus role in the pathogenesis of stress (Tako-tsubo) cardiomyopathy.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Circulation. Orlando: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Ltd.. |
| 2014 | Nguyen, T. (2014). Heterogeneity of disease progression rates in patients with bicuspid aortic valve: is there a suitable bio-marker?. Poster session presented at the meeting of Circulation. Orlando: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Ltd.. |
| 2014 | Nguyen, T. (2014). Systemic inflammatory activation and endothelial dysfunction predict development of aortic valve stenosis in bicuspid aortic valve. Poster session presented at the meeting of Global Heart. Melbourne: Elsevier Science & Technology. |
| 2013 | Nguyen, T. (2013). Can Recurrence of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy be Predicted?. Poster session presented at the meeting of Heart, Lung and Circulation. the Gold Coast: Blackwell Publishing Inc.. |
| 2013 | Nguyen, T. (2013). Not such a rarity: takotsubo cardiomyopathy as a mimic of ST elevation myocardial infarction.. Poster session presented at the meeting of European Heart Journal. Amsterdam: Oxford University Press. |
| 2013 | Nguyen, T. (2013). ncreased myocardial expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein, and evidence of nitrosative stress in a rat model of Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Circulation. Dallas: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Ltd.. |
| 2013 | Nguyen, T. (2013). Interaction Between Left and Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy: Impact on Haemodynamics and Morbidity. Poster session presented at the meeting of Heart, Lung and Circulation. the Gold Coast: Blackwell Publishing Inc.. |
| 2013 | Nguyen, T. H., Neil, C., Singh, K., Heresztyn, T., Chirkov, Y., & Horowitz, J. (2013). Determinants of prolonged impairment of global longitudinal strain post Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Poster session presented at the meeting of Abstracts of the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2013 (ESC 2013), as published in European Heart Journal. Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS: Oxford University Press. DOI |
| 2013 | Horowitz, J., Nguyen, T., Neil, C., Singh, K., Chong, C., Licari, J., & Raman, B. (2013). Stress cardiomyopathy: new clinical and pathogenetic insights. Poster session presented at the meeting of Abstracts of the 10th International Congress on Coronary Artery Disease (ICCAD), as published in Cardiology. Florence, Italy: Karger. DOI |
| 2012 | Neil, C. J., Nguyen, T. H., Mahadavan, G., Chapman, M., Kucia, A. M., Stansborough, J., . . . Horowitz, J. D. (2012). LV functional recovery from Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy is incomplete after 3 months: evidence from 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography. Poster session presented at the meeting of EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. Munchen, GERMANY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS. |
| 2012 | Nguyen, T. H., Neil, A., Sverdlov, A., Ngo, D., Chan, W., Chirkov, Y., . . . Horowitz, J. (2012). Paradoxical preservation of NO signalling in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Poster session presented at the meeting of EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. Munchen, GERMANY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS. |
| 2012 | Nguyen, T. (2012). Paradoxical preservation of NO signalling in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.. Poster session presented at the meeting of European Heart Journal. Munich: Oxford University Press. |
| 2012 | Nguyen, T. H. (2012). Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy is associated with “paradoxically” low ADMA concentrations. Poster session presented at the meeting of the ADMA meeting. London. |
| 2012 | Nguyen, T. (2012). LV functional recovery from Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy is incomplete after 3 months: evidence from 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography.. Poster session presented at the meeting of European Heart Journal. Munich: Oxford University Press. |
| 2012 | Nguyen, T. (2012). Residual LV Systolic Dysfunction Post-Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy. Poster session presented at the meeting of Heart, Lung and Circulation. Brisbane: Blackwell Publishing Inc.. |
| 2012 | Nguyen, T. (2012). Cardiac denervation in chronic heart failure: relationship to changes in LV function and to arrhythmogenesis. Poster session presented at the meeting of Heart, Lung and Circulation. Brisbane: Blackwell Publishing Inc.. |
| 2010 | Kucia, A. M., Neil, C. J. A., Nguyen, T. H., Beltrame, J. F., Arstall, M. A., & Horowitz, J. D. (2010). Evolution of ECG changes in tako tsubo cardiomyopathy: arrhythmias first, QT prolongation later?. Poster session presented at the meeting of EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. Stockholm, SWEDEN: OXFORD UNIV PRESS. |
AUSiMED Foundation, Grant (2016): Limitation of myocardial injury by recently synthesised inhibitors of necrosis (total value A$240,000)
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Program | Degree Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 - 2022 | Co-Supervisor | Takotsubo Syndrome: Precipitants, Clinical Course and Emerging Treatments | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Part Time | Mr Gao Jing Ong |
| 2014 - 2019 | Co-Supervisor | Nitrosative Stress and the Pathogenesis of Takotsubo Syndrome: Insights from a Novel Female Rat Model | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Mr Sven Yuri Surikow |
| 2014 - 2016 | Co-Supervisor | Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammatory Activation in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valves | Master of Clinical Science | Master | Part Time | Mr Matthew Chapman |
| Date | Role | Committee | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 - ongoing | Member | Scientific Review Subcommittee of the Human Research Ethics Committee (TQEH/LMH/MH) | - | Australia |
| Date | Role | Membership | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 - ongoing | Member | Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand | Australia |
| 2011 - ongoing | Member | European Society of Cardiology | - |
| 2010 - ongoing | Member | American Heart Association | United States |
