John D. Folts, PhD
Irwin L. Goldman, PhD
Paul R. Hutson, PharmD, RPh
Donna McCarthy, PhD
Charles A. Mistretta, PhD
James H. Stein, MD
Thomas F. Warner, MD

The Coronary Thrombosis Research Laboratory focuses on the prevention of atherosclerosis with an emphasis on the treatment of four specific factors: platelet activity, lipid oxidation and modification, endothelial function/ vessel reactivity, and inflammation.

It has been suggested that a diet rich in polyphenolic compounds (molecules found in fruits, vegetables, etc.) may help lower the incidence of coronary artery disease. Currently, the laboratory is examining the effects of grape polyphenolics (from red wine, grape juice, and grape extracts) on the four above-mentioned risk factors. They have shown that grape polyphenolics inhibit in vitro platelet aggregation, in vitro and ex vivo LDL oxidation, and improve in vivo vessel reactivity.

Dr. Folts has designed an in vivo animal model to demonstrate periodic cyclic flow reductions (CFRs) in blood flow in stenosed/damaged coronary (and other) arteries. CFRs, the result of acute platelet-mediated thrombosis followed by distal embolization, have been observed in patient arteries and are now thought to be the cause of unstable angina in patients with coronary artery disease. It was in this model that Dr. Folts first showed in 1970 that platelets initiate coronary thrombosis in vivo, and that this process can be inhibited with aspirin.

The laboratory, located in the Clinical Science Center, includes surgical space and instrumentation to study CFRs in animals. There are also whole blood platelet aggregometers, particle counters and instruments required to study LDL oxidation. The lab has helped train more than 26 graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and Cardiovascular Medicine fellows.

Contact Information

John D. Folts, PhD
H6/379 CSC
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53792
Phone: (608) 263-1533
Fax: (608) 263-0405
Email: jdf@medicine.wisc.edu