(Press-News.org) DURHAM, N.C. -- Heart tissue and stem cells spring into action to begin repairing muscle damaged in a heart attack, and researchers at Duke University School of Medicine found that a protein naturally produced in the body may potentially play a role in accelerating heart muscle repair. Giving the right dose of this protein named secreted frizzled related protein 2 (sfrp2) in studies of rats helped to prevent heart failure and reduce collagen layering that can form thick scar tissue after a heart attack (also called MI, or myocardial infarction). Previously the same researchers demonstrated that this protein also saves heart muscle cells from dying in response to heart attack.
These findings have the potential to be translated into a new therapy for study and evaluation in human clinical trials, said Victor Dzau, M.D., senior author of the study and James B Duke Professor of Medicine.
"We found that giving the study rats the protein sfrp2 strongly improved heart function in the critical pumping chamber, the left ventricle, after a myocardial infarction," Dr. Dzau said. "We observed that sfrp2 at therapeutic doses reduced heart muscle death and also directly prevented deposits of collagen, and thus reduced the scarring that can affect heart function."
The study was published the week of Nov. 15 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) Early Edition online.
Giving sfrp2 also helped prevent the heart wall from thinning, by the fourth week after injection. Because the scarring process (fibrosis) and tissue remodeling in the heart are often complete within a month of a heart attack in rats, the team performed a heart test called echocardiography (heart ultrasound) on the rats at three and four weeks after the myocardial infarction.
"We found the sfrp2 reduced the area of fibrosis in the left ventricle and also significantly decreased the ratio of anterior-to-posterior wall thickness in the heart," said Maria Mirotsou, Ph.D., a co-author and assistant professor of medicine.
Previously, the Dzau laboratory showed that a genetically modified type of stem cell that over-produced a factor called Akt dramatically reduced the size of the area affected by a heart attack and restored cardiac function in rodent hearts. The team identified sfrp2 as a key factor released by these stem cells during heart tissue survival and repair, and this study showed sfrp2 was a likely candidate for inhibiting collagen production, as well.
INFORMATION:
Other authors include lead author Wei He, Lunan Zhang, Aiguo Ni, Zhiping Zhang, Lan Mao, and Richard E. Pratt, all of the Dzau laboratory in the Mandel Center for Hypertension Research and the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine in the Duke Department of Medicine.
The work was funded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute grants and grants from the Edna and Fred L. Mandel, Jr. Foundation and the Leducq Foundation.
A stem cell secreted protein can be given to improve heart function after experimental heart attack
Study also shows protein reduced scarring in heart tissue
2010-11-18
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Tightwads and spendthrifts: A Black Friday tradition
2010-11-18
Every year about this time, on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving that traditionally begins the holiday shopping season, early-morning consumers stand in long lines eager to purchase some sought after prize. From the outside, it looks as if these holiday shoppers can't wait to plunk down their cash, but University of Michigan Marketing Professor Scott Rick says consumers often behave differently than they would ideally like to behave.
"Some consumers chronically spend more than they would like, and some consumers chronically spend less than they would like," he ...
Widely adopted indicator of fisheries health questioned
2010-11-18
The most widely adopted measure for assessing the state of the world's oceans and fisheries led to inaccurate conclusions in nearly half the ecosystems where it was applied.
The new analysis was performed by an international team of fisheries scientists, and is reported in this week's issue of the journal Nature.
"Applied to individual ecosystems it's like flipping a coin; half the time you get the right answer and half the time you get the wrong answer," said Trevor Branch, a University of Washington (UW) aquatic and fisheries scientist.
"Monitoring all the fish ...
Rare earth elements in US not so rare
2010-11-18
Approximately 13 million metric tons of rare earth elements (REE) exist within known deposits in the United States, according to the first-ever nationwide estimate of these elements by the U.S. Geological Survey.
This estimate of domestic rare earth deposits is part of a larger report that includes a review of global sources for REE, information on known deposits that might provide domestic sources of REE in the future, and geologic information crucial for studies of the availability of REE to U.S. industry.
The report describes significant deposits of REE in 14 states, ...
Mysterious cells may play role in ALS
2010-11-18
By tracking the fate of a group of immature cells that persist in the adult brain and spinal cord, Johns Hopkins researchers discovered in mice that these cells undergo dramatic changes in ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
A study reported November 17 online in Neuron shows that these cells, called NG2+, grow and expand rapidly during early life, eventually morphing into mature nervous system cells called oligodendrocytes. These "oligos" help speed the transmission of electrical impulses by providing insulation around nerve cells. This insulation, known as myelin, ...
What if we used poetry to teach computers to speak better?
2010-11-18
A better understanding of how we use acoustic cues to stress new information and put old information in the background may help computer programmers produce more realistic-sounding speech. Dr. Michael Wagner, a researcher in McGill's Department of Linguistics, has compared the way French- and English-speakers evaluate poetry, as a way of finding evidence for a systematic difference in how the two languages use these cues. "Voice synthesis has become quite impressive in terms of the pronunciation of individual words," Wagner explained. "But when a computer 'speaks,' whole ...
US adults most likely to forgo care due to cost, have trouble paying medical bills
2010-11-18
New York, NY, November 18, 2010—A new 11-country survey from The Commonwealth Fund finds that adults in the United States are far more likely than those in 10 other industrialized nations to go without health care because of costs, have trouble paying medical bills, encounter high medical bills even when insured, and have disputes with their insurers or discover insurance wouldn't pay as they expected. According to the report, the findings highlight the need for Affordable Care Act reforms that will ensure access to health care, protect people from medical debt, and simplify ...
Villeroy & Boch's Suprafix Sets New Standards For Simple Water Closet Installation
2010-11-18
Villeroy & Boch now offers its innovative SupraFix fastening system throughout the U.S. marketplace. SupraFix, a patent-pending system, sets new standards for wall-mounted WC installation by simplifying the process of attaching both the Water Closet (WC) and the WC seat.
"SupraFix changes everything. Conventional fastening holes are no longer required so unsightly plastic covers are a thing of the past," said Constantin von Boch, national sales manager for the Villeroy & Boch brand. "In addition, a valuable feature of SupraFix is an uninterrupted design which makes ...
Growth in Green Building Use Expected to Drive Use of BIM Tools Says New MCIPE Constructors & Professional Engineers Construction Study
2010-11-18
The growth of the green building market will drive adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, according to a new Market Report, Building Information Modeling is Contributing to Green Design and Construction, released by MCIPE Constructors & Professional Engineers. The report provides new insights on the convergence of two important construction industry trends: green building and BIM, known simply as "Green BIM."
"Green building is already transforming design and construction in the United States, and BIM has the potential to increase innovation---and ...
SunPods to Participate in the 2010 CleanTech National Awards Gala
2010-11-18
SunPods will return to participate as alumni in the CleantTech National Awards Gala on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 - an event recognized as the "Academy Awards of Cleantech". A fully assembled, factory-built SunPods solar array will be featured outside of the event venue to showcase the technology that reduces installation of ground mount solar installations by up to 90 percent.
The mission of the Cleantech Open is to find, fund, and foster the big ideas that address today's most urgent energy, environmental, and economic challenges. Following a valued placement in ...
Salon Oasis' Fashion's Night Out: The Event Fun, free event featuring glamorous fashion, food, fun and music Friday, November 19, 2010, 6 to 8 p.m.
2010-11-18
Kick off your holiday season at Salon Oasis, while you and your friends enjoy glamorous fun with delicious appetizers from Blue Martini, drinks from Hpnotiq and music by Cat Shell. Come check out the latest in holiday fashion by Intrigue Couture, hair and make-up trend by Salon Oasis and enjoy the sounds of Cat Shell, singer/songwriter (catshellmusic.com).
Prizes galore to be given away at the end of the evening, and the first 200 guests receive a free swag bag filled with glam goodies!
At 8 pm head over to Blue Martini at Town Center Mall for the continuation of ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Insulin resistance is linked to over 30 diseases – and to early death in women, study of people in the UK finds
Innovative semaglutide hydrogel could reduce diabetes shots to once a month
Weight loss could reduce the risk of severe infections in people with diabetes, UK research suggests
Long-term exposure to air pollution and a lack of green space increases the risk of hospitalization for respiratory conditions
Better cardiovascular health in early pregnancy may offset high genetic risk
Artificial intelligence method transforms gene mutation prediction in lung cancer: DeepGEM data releases at IASLC 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer
Antibody–drug conjugate I-DXd shows clinically meaningful response in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer
IASLC Global Survey on biomarker testing reveals progress and persistent barriers in lung cancer biomarker testing
Research shows pathway to developing predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitors
Just how dangerous is Great Salt Lake dust? New research looks for clues
Maroulas appointed Associate Vice Chancellor, Director of AI Tennessee
New chickadee research finds cognitive skills impact lifespan
Cognitive behavioral therapy enhances brain circuits to relieve depression
Terasaki Institute awarded $2.3 Million grant from NIH for organ transplantation research using organs-on-a-chip technology
Atoms on the edge
Postdoc takes multipronged approach to muon detection
Mathematical proof: Five satellites needed for precise navigation
Scalable, multi-functional device lays groundwork for advanced quantum applications
Falling for financial scams? It may signal early Alzheimer’s disease
Integrating MRI and OCT for new insights into brain microstructure
Designing a normative neuroimaging library to support diagnosis of traumatic brain injury
Department of Energy announces $68 million in funding for artificial intelligence for scientific research
DOE, ORNL announce opportunity to define future of high-performance computing
Molecular simulations, supercomputing lead to energy-saving biomaterials breakthrough
Low-impact yoga and exercise found to help older women manage urinary incontinence
Genetic studies reveal new insights into cognitive impairment in schizophrenia
Researcher develops technology to provide cleaner energy and cleaner water
Expect the unexpected: nanoscale silver unveils intrinsic self-healing abilities
nTIDE September 2024 Jobs Report: Gains in employment for people with disabilities appear to level off after reducing gaps with non-disabled workers
Wiley enhances NMR Spectral Library Collection with extensive new databases
[Press-News.org] A stem cell secreted protein can be given to improve heart function after experimental heart attackStudy also shows protein reduced scarring in heart tissue