Surawee Chuaiphichai

Dr Surawee Chuaiphichai is a postdoctoral research fellow in Professor Keith Channon's laboratory within the RDM Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Oxford, based at the Centre for Human Genetics. He was awarded a British Heart Foundation 4-year DPhil studentship at the University of Oxford, where he completed his DPhil in Professor Keith Channon's lab, investigating the role of endothelial cell Gch1 and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthesis in vascular health and disease.

Over the years, Dr Chuaiphichai's research has provided crucial insights into the role of endothelial cell BH4 in vascular function, hypertension, and pregnancy-related complications. His findings highlight the potential therapeutic applications of 5-methyl-(6S)-tetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) supplementation in cardiovascular and pregnancy-related disorders. His research spans multiple areas, including nitric oxide metabolism, vascular remodelling, and therapeutic interventions.

1. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), Endothelial Function, and Hypertension

Dr Chuaiphichai has extensively investigated the role of BH4, an essential cofactor for nitric oxide synthase, in endothelial function. His studies have demonstrated that BH4 deficiency in endothelial cells leads to impaired vasodilation and increased vascular resistance, contributing to hypertension and vascular remodelling. Notably, his work with endothelial cell-specific GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GTPCH1) knockout mice has provided direct evidence of BH4's crucial role in maintaining vascular homeostasis.

2. BH4 in Pregnancy and Gestational Hypertension

In his investigation of BH4's role during pregnancy, Dr Chuaiphichai discovered that endothelial BH4 deficiency in pregnant mice resulted in elevated blood pressure and restricted fetal growth, both of which were associated with abnormal placental artery remodelling. Importantly, dietary supplementation with 5-MTHF was found to mitigate these adverse effects, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for managing gestational hypertension and preventing preeclampsia in humans.