Heart disease, especially coronary artery disease (CAD), is a major global health concern, responsible for 25% of deaths in the United States. Understanding its causes and finding better treatments is a top priority for researchers.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health have made an important breakthrough that could lead to new treatment options for CAD. Dr. Mete Civelek and his team are focusing on smooth muscle cells, which line blood vessels and play a key role in the disease.
How Smooth Muscle Cells Affect Heart Disease
Normally, these smooth muscle cells help protect the arteries by forming caps over plaque deposits. These caps prevent strokes and heart attacks by keeping plaques stable. However, in some cases, the same cells contribute to plaque buildup, making the disease worse.
The big question is: Why do these cells sometimes help and other times harm the arteries?
To answer this, Noah Perry, a doctoral student working with Dr. Civelek, studied smooth muscle cells from heart transplant donors. His research focused on the genes that control how these cells behave.
The Role of Sugar and Metabolism
Perry’s analysis uncovered a possible link between coronary artery disease and how these cells use nitrogen and glycogen, the body’s stored form of sugar. His team also identified mannose, a specific type of sugar, as a possible factor in this process. While the exact role of mannose is still unclear, further research could confirm its impact on plaque formation and artery health.
Why This Discovery Matters
If scientists can understand why smooth muscle cells switch from being protective to harmful, doctors may find ways to prevent this shift. This could lead to new treatments for coronary artery disease, beyond the current options like cholesterol-lowering drugs and blood pressure medications.
Dr. Civelek emphasizes that new treatment targets are urgently needed to reduce the global burden of CAD. His team, including Perry, Diana Albarracin, and Redouane Aherrahrou, is dedicated to exploring this promising research direction.
The Bigger Picture: Other Health Insights
For those interested in heart health, studies suggest that:
- Vitamin D may help reduce inflammation, which plays a role in heart disease.
- Vitamin K could lower the risk of heart disease by up to 30%.
- Certain foods and cooking methods may affect brain health and vision.
What’s Next?
The findings were published in Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine, adding valuable insight into how coronary artery disease develops. As researchers continue to study the genetic and metabolic factors influencing heart health, their work could pave the way for more effective treatments that go beyond traditional approaches.
This discovery brings hope for millions affected by heart disease, offering new possibilities for prevention and treatment in the near future.
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