Scientists have identified a new therapeutic target for coronary heart disease by investigating how certain genes affect individual's risk of developing the condition.
They have discovered that an enzyme known as ADAMTS7 plays a crucial role in the build-up of cells in the coronary arteries which lead to coronary heart disease.
Heart Attack- Lifestyle risks
Heart attack is the death of the heart muscle due to loss of blood supply. Simple guidelines to avoid heart attack are listed.
Advertisement
Coronary heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease) is the nation's biggest killer, with around 94,000 deaths in the UK each year*. The condition happens when the blood supply to the heart is blocked by a build-up of fatty deposits - called atherosclerotic plaques - within the walls of one or more of the coronary arteries.
Lifestyle factors - including smoking, a bad diet and lack of exercise - contribute to an individual's risk of heart disease, but a number of genes have also been found to play a role.
![Animation on Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) - Animation]( "Animation on Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) - Animation")
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) is performed to restore the blood supply to areas of heart that have been reduced or has no blood supply due to blockage in the artery.
The research was led by Shu Ye, Professor of Molecular Medicine and Genetics at Queen Mary, University of London. Professor Ye said: "Recent studies have identified a number of genetic regions that are associated with coronary heart disease. However, to translate these findings into new therapeutics which could benefit patients, we need to understand how these genetic variants are influencing the disease."
In this study the scientists focused on a genetic region associated with coronary heart disease which contained the ADAMTS7 gene. This gene governs the production of an enzyme, also called ADAMTS7, which breaks down a structural protein called thrombospondin-5 in the arterial wall. This breakdown allows cells in the wall of the artery to move about more freely, and to migrate into the atherosclerotic plaques, making them larger and the affected artery narrower.
By analyzing genetic data from an earlier study which involved 787 people in Italy, together with ultrasound scans of their arteries, the researchers found that a particular variant of the ADAMTS7 gene was associated with a 50 per cent reduction in risk of atherosclerosis.
Professor Ye said: "Through analyzing arterial cells from 18 individuals, we found that this ADAMTS7 gene variant reduces the ability of the ADAMTS7 enzyme to break down the structural protein thrombospondin-5. As a result, arterial cells are less able to migrate and consequently we found that individuals carrying this genetic variant are less likely to develop atherosclerotic plaques and, even if they do, the plaques tend to be smaller.
"Further research is needed but this indicates that ADAMTS7 would be a promising target against which new medicines could be designed to act."
Source: Eurekalert
Animation on Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) - Animation
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) is performed to restore the blood supply to areas of heart that have been reduced or has no blood supply due to blockage in the artery.
Advertisement
The research was led by Shu Ye, Professor of Molecular Medicine and Genetics at Queen Mary, University of London. Professor Ye said: "Recent studies have identified a number of genetic regions that are associated with coronary heart disease. However, to translate these findings into new therapeutics which could benefit patients, we need to understand how these genetic variants are influencing the disease."
In this study the scientists focused on a genetic region associated with coronary heart disease which contained the ADAMTS7 gene. This gene governs the production of an enzyme, also called ADAMTS7, which breaks down a structural protein called thrombospondin-5 in the arterial wall. This breakdown allows cells in the wall of the artery to move about more freely, and to migrate into the atherosclerotic plaques, making them larger and the affected artery narrower.
By analyzing genetic data from an earlier study which involved 787 people in Italy, together with ultrasound scans of their arteries, the researchers found that a particular variant of the ADAMTS7 gene was associated with a 50 per cent reduction in risk of atherosclerosis.
Professor Ye said: "Through analyzing arterial cells from 18 individuals, we found that this ADAMTS7 gene variant reduces the ability of the ADAMTS7 enzyme to break down the structural protein thrombospondin-5. As a result, arterial cells are less able to migrate and consequently we found that individuals carrying this genetic variant are less likely to develop atherosclerotic plaques and, even if they do, the plaques tend to be smaller.
"Further research is needed but this indicates that ADAMTS7 would be a promising target against which new medicines could be designed to act."
Source: Eurekalert
Quiz on Healthy Heart
Heart disease is a major killer worldwide in spite of major strides in the medical field in terms of research, diagnosis, treatment and pharmacology. HIV/AIDS and Alzheimer's disease are vying for popular attention these days and people tend to sideline or neglect healthy heart awareness. Take our quiz and refresh your awareness on heart disease.
Advertisement
 Foods to Lower Cholesterol and Heart DiseaseHeart diseases are the most common and threatening disease today. It has takes millions of lives all over the world each year and the death count is not going down. Here are tips to a healthy heart. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Heart Disease News
According to health experts, an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots is associated with higher hemoglobin levels.
Early cardiac evaluation reverses atherosclerosis caused by cardiac risk factors like high BP and high cholesterol in young adults.
PM2.5 increases during winter inversions are associated with higher heart attack risk, stated study.
The study underscores the significance of broader genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder that causes high bad cholesterol levels.
For patients experiencing both anemia and a heart attack, transfusion threshold trials play a crucial role in assisting physicians in making informed decisions.