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Unique Peptide in Fish Fights Heart Disease

by Julia Samuel on Jan 13 2015 6:42 PM

Unique Peptide in Fish Fights Heart Disease
A new study has revealed that a peptide originally found in fish could be used to fight against cardiovascular disease.
Professor David Lambert, University of Leicester in Britain said, “We have been working on this exciting peptide for a number of years; it exhibits a very interesting pharmacological profile. Design and evaluation of small molecule drugs has potential for use in the treatment of several cardiovascular diseases.”

Urotensin II (UII), a peptide was isolated from teleost fish. UII activates a G protein-coupled receptor called UT to modulate a number of signalling pathways including intracellular calcium.

Interestingly, the peptide can constrict some blood vessels yet dilate others.

The review has shown that UII can modulate a vast array of biologic activities encompassing the cardiovascular system, kidneys and central nervous system.

Several studies have proved that fish oil prevents heart disease by the lipid lowering effect and heart-protective effect of omega-3-fatty acid. Now this recent finding of Urotensin II exhibits the higher potential of fish.

Source-Medindia


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