A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Michigan has identified a protein called soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis, a disease characterized by the hardening of arteries.
Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of heart disease and affects over a billion people worldwide.
The researchers found that suPAR, produced by the bone marrow, plays a crucial role in regulating the activity of the immune system, effectively serving as an “immunostat.”
Prior studies had identified suPAR as a marker of cardiovascular disease, but this study provided the first evidence that the protein can actually cause atherosclerosis when present at high levels.
In the study, the scientists analyzed data from over 5,000 individuals without known heart disease and discovered that those with elevated suPAR levels were more likely to develop atherosclerosis and experience cardiovascular events, regardless of their underlying risk factors.
The team also conducted a genetic study involving 24,000 people to determine if specific genetic variations affected suPAR levels in the blood.
They identified a genetic variant in the PLAUR gene, which codes for suPAR, and individuals with this genetic variant tended to have higher suPAR levels.
Importantly, this genetic variant was associated with atherosclerosis in a Mendelian randomization analysis involving 500,000 participants.
In mouse models with elevated suPAR levels, the researchers observed a significant increase in atherosclerotic plaques compared to mice with normal suPAR levels.
This study provides compelling evidence that high suPAR levels are a causative factor in atherosclerotic disease. The findings are significant because traditional therapies for atherosclerosis do not impact suPAR levels.
As a result, the researchers are now exploring the development of treatments to safely reduce suPAR levels as a strategy for preventing and treating heart disease.
This discovery also has implications for kidney disease, as suPAR is known to be a pathogenic factor that causes kidney disease.
Since cardiovascular disease and kidney disease often co-occur, targeting suPAR may offer a promising approach to addressing both conditions simultaneously.
In summary, this research highlights the potential of suPAR as a therapeutic target for heart disease and underscores the intricate relationship between immune regulation, atherosclerosis, and kidney disease.
Further studies and treatment development efforts are needed to explore the full therapeutic potential of targeting suPAR.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and scientists find how COVID-19 damages the heart.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about Aspirin linked to higher risk of heart failure, and results showing this drug could reduce heart disease, fatty liver, obesity.
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