Testimonial: a Chinese-French collaboration enabled by GERCA

I am a medical doctor and researcher from Chongqing, China, and I am profoundly
grateful to GERCA for supporting my research on septic cardiovascular dysfunction.

Sepsis is a life-threatening infectious disease, with cardiovascular dysfunction being one of its most severe complications. Despite advancements in modern medicine, septic cardiovascular dysfunction remains associated with an alarmingly high mortality rate. Studies indicate that 40% of sepsis patients experience cardiac dysfunction, and once it occurs, the mortality rate can reach as high as 70%. Research into this condition is crucial for reducing mortality, alleviating the burden on healthcare systems, and, most importantly, offering new hope to patients in developing countries where healthcare resources are limited.

During my time in Strasbourg, I had the privilege of joining Professor Olivier Morel’s team as a Visiting PhD student. Under his expert guidance, I designed a study focusing on septic cardiovascular dysfunction to investigate the role of SGLT2 and the potential protective effects of its inhibitor, empagliflozin. I was inspired by the potential of this research to bring new therapeutic breakthroughs and improve outcomes for affected patients. However, I was also acutely aware that without adequate funding, our research would face significant challenges.

Thanks to GERCA’s generous support, those challenges were overcome. GERCA not only ensured the smooth progress of our research and facilitated advancements in the treatment of septic cardiovascular dysfunction, but also helped establish a bridge for meaningful collaboration between China and France, promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise in this critical area of medicine.

This research, made possible by GERCA, contributes to reducing the devastating impact of sepsis, improving medical standards in developing countries, and enhancing global health equity. As a doctor and researcher from a developing country, I feel honored to have received GERCA’s support. It transformed our meaningful research from an idea into reality and allowed us to make substantial progress in understanding the mechanisms and potential treatments for this life-threatening condition.

I wholeheartedly wish GERCA continued success and growth. I hope it continues to attract responsible donors who share its vision of advancing impactful research. With their support, more projects like mine can flourish, paving the way for breakthroughs in disease treatment and improving the health and well-being of people worldwide.

Dingyi Lyu
Clinical Doctor & Postdoctoral Fellow
Division of Cardiology
The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University