Heart disease is a major cause of death around the world.
In the United States, about one out of every four deaths is linked to coronary artery disease.
That’s why scientists are working hard to understand what causes it—and how to stop it.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health have found something new that might help. Their discovery could lead to better ways to treat or even prevent this serious condition.
Dr. Mete Civelek, a scientist at the UVA School of Medicine, explains that smooth muscle cells—cells that line the inside of our blood vessels—are very important in this disease. These cells normally help protect us. They form a cap over dangerous plaque in the arteries, which can prevent strokes.
But there’s a mystery. Sometimes, these same cells seem to do the opposite. Instead of protecting the artery, they help plaque grow, making the disease worse. So, what causes this change?
To find out, a researcher named Noah Perry studied smooth muscle cells taken from people who had heart transplants. He wanted to see which genes might be behind this switch from helpful to harmful.
His research pointed to something interesting: problems with how the cells use nitrogen and sugar in the form of glycogen (a kind of stored sugar in our bodies). One specific sugar, called mannose, might be playing a role in triggering these changes in the cells.
The researchers say this is still early work, and more studies are needed. But if doctors can understand why these cells change their behavior, they might be able to stop it before it causes harm.
This could lead to new treatments for coronary artery disease, which could help many people live longer, healthier lives.
Dr. Civelek says that while we already have some good treatments—like medicines to lower cholesterol and control blood pressure—we still need more tools. Discovering how these cells change could be one of those tools.
The research team, including Perry, Diana Albarracin, Redouane Aherrahrou, and Civelek, is continuing their work. They hope their findings will one day lead to better options for the millions of people living with heart disease.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about blood thinners that may not prevent stroke in people with heartbeat problems and this diabetes drug may protect heart health in older veterans.
For more about heart health, please read studies about why light-to-moderate drinking is linked to better heart health and reconsidering the long-term use of high blood pressure beta blockers after a heart attack.
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