Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death across the world. In the United States alone, it is responsible for about one in four deaths.
Among the different types of heart disease, coronary artery disease is one of the most serious and common. This condition develops when fatty deposits, known as plaque, build up inside the arteries.
Over time, these deposits narrow the blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow to the heart. If the blockage becomes severe, it can lead to heart attacks or strokes, which can be life-threatening.
Because of its impact, scientists have been working for many years to better understand how coronary artery disease develops and how it can be prevented.
A new study from researchers at the University of Virginia Health has uncovered an important clue that may help explain why this disease gets worse over time. The findings were published in the journal Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine.
The study focuses on smooth muscle cells, which are found in the walls of blood vessels. These cells play an important role in keeping arteries strong and flexible.
In a healthy body, smooth muscle cells help form a protective layer over plaque. This layer acts like a shield, keeping the plaque stable and reducing the chance that it will break apart and block blood flow.
However, the researchers discovered that these same cells can sometimes behave in a very different way. Instead of protecting the arteries, they can actually make plaque grow larger and more dangerous. This change in behavior has puzzled scientists for a long time, and understanding it could be key to finding new treatments.
To investigate this process, the research team was led by Dr. Mete Civelek, along with his student Noah Perry. They studied smooth muscle cells taken from heart transplant donors. By examining these cells closely, the team aimed to identify genes that might control how the cells behave.
Their research revealed a surprising link between the way these cells handle certain basic substances in the body. In particular, they found connections involving nitrogen and glycogen, which is a form of sugar that the body stores for energy.
These substances are part of normal cell function, but when the process goes wrong, it may trigger harmful changes in the cells.
One sugar in particular, called mannose, stood out in the study. The researchers believe that mannose may influence how smooth muscle cells change their behavior. When the balance of these processes is disrupted, the cells may switch from being protective to becoming harmful. This could lead to faster plaque buildup and more severe heart disease.
Although the exact role of mannose is not yet fully understood, this discovery opens up a new area of research. Scientists now have a better idea of what to look for when studying how coronary artery disease develops.
This finding is important because current treatments for heart disease, such as drugs that lower cholesterol or control blood pressure, can reduce risk but do not completely prevent the disease.
Many people still develop serious complications despite these treatments. By identifying new biological pathways, researchers may be able to develop more targeted therapies in the future.
Dr. Civelek explained that understanding why smooth muscle cells change their behavior could lead to new ways to stop or slow down plaque growth. If scientists can find a way to keep these cells in their protective state, it may help prevent arteries from becoming dangerously blocked.
The research team, including Perry, Diana Albarracin, and Redouane Aherrahrou, is continuing to explore these findings. Their goal is to better understand the mechanisms behind these changes and to identify possible targets for new treatments.
While scientists continue their work, there are already steps people can take to protect their heart health. A healthy lifestyle remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and managing stress.
Some studies also suggest that certain nutrients may support heart health. For example, vitamin D may help reduce inflammation, which is linked to heart disease. Vitamin K has also been associated with a lower risk of heart problems. However, these findings should be considered as part of an overall healthy lifestyle rather than a single solution.
This new study provides fresh insight into how heart disease develops at the cellular level. It shows that even cells that normally protect the body can sometimes contribute to disease under certain conditions. By understanding these changes, scientists are moving closer to finding better ways to prevent and treat one of the world’s most serious health problems.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top foods to love for a stronger heart, and why oranges may help fight obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about simple guide to a 7-day diabetes meal plan, and why you should add black beans to your plate.
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