
The NADPH Oxidase complex attacks blood vessels, the heart lining,
joints and the brain when placed under metabolic stress, causing most of
the diseases of ageing. However it has another vital role in helping
cells to 'talk' to each other, which means that humans need the complex
in order to live.
Researchers at the University of Surrey, in collaboration with the
Universities of Reading and Cologne, and the Royal Berkshire Hospital,
have discovered that it is possible to stop the activation of this group of
proteins (NADPH Oxidase) known to cause most of the diseases of ageing.
This will potentially pave the way for the development of drugs to
treat a range of age-related diseases.
The new research has found that the natural mutation SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) protects against cardiovascular disease and also affects the activation of NADPH oxidase.
In addition, the research has exciting implications for personalized medicine - a concept which is likely to change the face of healthcare in the future - as it will be possible, in theory, to give patients tailored doses of medicine depending on the SNP mutations they have.
Dr. Brendan Howlin, Director of Postgraduate Research at the University of Surrey, said: "This breakthrough could have a revolutionary impact on healthcare and individuals by tackling two of the key challenges in healthcare today: an ageing population and a growing requirement for personalized medicine. Since the initial research, we have developing a series of drugs that prevent the activation process, and are now working on bringing these drugs to market."
Source: Eurekalert
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