A team of researchers from the University of Virginia Health is making significant progress in understanding coronary artery disease, a condition responsible for 25% of deaths in the United States. This research may pave the way for innovative treatments.
The study focuses on the perplexing role of smooth muscle cells lining blood vessels.
These cells have a dual nature in coronary artery disease, as they can either form a protective shield over plaque or promote plaque development, exacerbating the disease’s severity.
The researchers aimed to unravel the mystery behind this contradictory behavior.
Noah Perry, a doctoral student on the research team, examined smooth muscle cells sourced from heart transplant donors. His goal was to identify the genes responsible for the cells’ protective or harmful behavior.
Perry discovered that the shift from a protective to a harmful state in these cells might be linked to issues related to nitrogen and glycogen (a form of sugar storage in the body).
Specifically, the sugar mannose emerged as a potential contributor or trigger for these issues, although further research is needed to establish this connection definitively.
Identifying the changes that occur in cells as they transition into a diseased state could open new avenues for intervention and therapy.
If the triggers causing smooth muscle cells to become harmful can be identified, it may be possible to prevent this shift, offering a new approach to treating and potentially counteracting coronary artery disease.
While current treatments like cholesterol-lowering therapies and blood pressure control can be effective, coronary artery disease’s widespread impact emphasizes the need for additional therapeutic targets.
The research team, led by Mete Civelek, continues to investigate this area with the hope that their discoveries will one day provide relief to millions affected by this debilitating disease.
This research adds to the growing body of knowledge about heart health, alongside studies exploring how vitamin D and vitamin K may reduce inflammation and heart disease risk, as well as investigations into foods that can boost brain function and the impact of certain cooking methods on the risk of blindness.
The full study is available in the journal Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about Why light-to-moderate drinking is linked to better heart health and findings of Reconsidering the long-term use of high blood pressure beta blockers after a heart attack.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about Fried food may increase heart disease risk and results showing that A heart-healthy lifestyle with vegan choices.
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