Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Researchers Find New Way to Fix Broken Hearts

by VR Sreeraman on July 24, 2009 at 4:40 PM
 Researchers Find New Way to Fix Broken Hearts

Injecting a growth factor can spur regrowth of heart tissue and improve heart function in mice without using stem cells, researchers found in a potential breakthrough for human cardiac care.

Heart muscle tissue normally does not regenerate after a heart attack in patients with heart weakness or in children with hereditary malformations, according to the authors of the study published in the July 24 issue of Cell.

Advertisement

Researchers injected the substance called NRG1, a protein, into the peritoneal cavity of live mice after a heart attack, once daily for 12 weeks.

They found "heart regeneration was increased and pumping function (ejection fraction, assessed on echocardiograms) improved as compared with untreated controls," the journal said in a statement.
Advertisement

"To my knowledge, this is the first regenerative therapy that may be applicable in a systemic way," said Bernhard Kuhn of Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School.

He said that an eventual human treatment could feature daily infusions of NRG1 at a clinic over a period of weeks.

"In principle, there is nothing to preclude this going into the clinic. Based on all the information we have, this is a promising candidate."

Further studies are required to demonstrate safety before such treatment could be tested in human patients, Kuhn stressed.

While "many efforts have focused on stem-cell based strategies, our work suggests that stem cells aren't required and that stimulating differentiated cardiomyocytes to proliferate may be a viable alternative," Kuhn added.

Source: AFP
LIN
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Heart Disease News

Heart Attack Fatalities Mark 12.5% Increase in 2022
The number of heart attack fatalities showed a notable increase, declining from 28,579 in 2020 to 28,413 in 2021, then surging to 32,457 in 2022.
Smart Watch Helps Detect Irregular Heart Rhythm
Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) can be accurately diagnosed with Verily Study Watch, the FDA-approved wrist-worn gadget.
Red Flags in Red Cells — Decoding Their Threat on Heart Health!
According to health experts, an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots is associated with higher hemoglobin levels.
Atherosclerosis in Young Adults Curbed by Early Risk Factor Management
Early cardiac evaluation reverses atherosclerosis caused by cardiac risk factors like high BP and high cholesterol in young adults.
Summer Wildfires and Winter Air Pollution Pose Varied Heart Health Risks
PM2.5 increases during winter inversions are associated with higher heart attack risk, stated study.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Researchers Find New Way to Fix Broken Hearts Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests