Molecule hikes cardiac insufficiency risk
Posted on: Monday, 27 April 2009, 15:10 CDT
Spanish medical researchers say they've identified a key enzyme that contributes to development of cardiac insufficiency in some heart disease patients.
The scientists at the University of Navarra's Center for Applied Medical Research said the enzyme is involved in the accumulation of fibrous tissues in the hearts of patients with chronic cardiac diseases and deterioration of heart functions.
In their study, the scientists analyzed the expression of Llysyl oxidase, an enzyme that regulates the amount of fibrous tissue in cardiac muscle.
By means of molecular and histological methods, we have found that the cardiac muscle in patients with cardiac insufficiency contains an excess of this enzyme as well as collagen fiber. These factors are associated with the deterioration of cardiac functions,
said Dr. Begona Lopez, who led the project.
The scientists said their findings show some drugs prescribed for patients with cardiac insufficiency don't actually inhibit the enzyme lysyl oxidase, nor do they reduce fibrosis or improve heart functions. Other drugs however, which are less commonly used, do have these beneficial qualities.
Our work opens new possibilities for treating patients with heart disease through the inhibition of the enzyme,
said Lopez.
The research appears in the journal Hypertension.
Source: United Press International
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