Scientists have found a way to protect the heart from damage after a heart attack

Researchers from Nagoya University in Japan have discovered an enzyme that blocks the formation of scars in the heart muscle after a heart attack. Experiments in mice showed that suppressing the activity of BCAT1 allows the heart to better retain the ability to pump blood. The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

After a heart attack, dead heart muscle cells are replaced by connective tissue. Although this process is necessary to repair the damaged area, excess collagen makes the heart less elastic and impairs its function. Scientists have found that the enzyme BCAT1 is involved in the formation of scars, supplying cells with proline - an amino acid necessary for the synthesis of collagen.

During the study, mice that had the BCAT1 gene turned off had significantly less scar tissue after a heart attack, and their hearts worked better. A similar result was achieved using the experimental substance ERG240, suppressing the activity of the enzyme. It is noteworthy that the positive effect persisted even at the start of treatment a week after the heart attack.

Additional studies of heart tissue in people with heart failure showed increased BCAT1 activity in areas of severe scarring. Scientists believe that the discovery may help develop new drugs to protect the heart after a heart attack. However, the efficacy and safety of such treatment in humans has yet to be tested in clinical trials.

56-year-old Claudia Schiffer conquered social networks perfect figure.

Brushing your teeth has caused serious health problems.

Reliable news is always at hand - in the channel MK in "MAX".