 |
|
Molecule prompts damaged heart cells to repair themselves after a heart attack
April 13, 2009A protein that the heart produces during its early development reactivates the embryonic coronary developmental program and initiates migration of heart cells and blood vessel growth after a heart attack, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found.
The molecule, Thymosin beta-4 (TB4), is expressed by embryos during the heart's development and encourages migration of heart cells. The new findings in mice suggest that introducing TB4 systemically after a heart attack encourages new growth and repair of heart cells. The research findings indicate that the molecule affects developmental gene expression as early as 24 hours after systemic injection. The UT Southwestern study is online and will appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology.
"This molecule has the potential to reprogram cells in the body to get them to do what you want them to do," said Dr. J. Michael DiMaio, associate professor of cardiothoracic surgery at UT Southwestern and senior author of the study. "Obviously, the clinical implications of this are enormous because of the potential to reverse damage inflicted on heart cells after a heart attack."
Tremendous medical progress has been made to counter the damaging effects of heart attacks, but ordinarily, mammalian hearts are incapable of repairing themselves following damage. They are also limited in their ability to form new blood vessels. Earlier studies demonstrated that TB4 is expressed in the embryonic heart and stimulates cardiac vessels to form. It was therefore thought that introduction of TB4 might activate new vessel growth in the adult heart.
In this mouse study researchers found that TB4 initiates capillary tube formation of adult coronary endothelial cells in tissue culture. The molecule also encourages cardiac regeneration by inhibiting death in heart cells after an injury such as a heart attack and by stimulating new vessel growth.
"We observed that by injecting this protein systemically, there was increased cardiac function after a heart attack," said Dr. Ildiko Bock-Marquette, assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at UT Southwestern and the study's lead author. "We hope this protein can inhibit cell death that occurs during a heart attack in the short term, and that it may initiate new growth of coronary vessels by activating progenitor cells in the long term."
Researchers assessed the effect of TB4 on new vessel growth in adult mice after inducing heart attacks and then following up by introducing TB4 into the animals. An examination of the capillary smooth muscle cells following treatment with TB4 showed a significant increase in capillary density in the heart three days afterward near the site of the heart attack, the scientists reported.
Further studies will examine whether the same events occur in larger mammals and which receptors are responsible for the action of this molecule.
Other UT Southwestern researchers involved in the study were Santwana Shrivastava, research assistant; and John Shelton, senior research scientist. Study authors also included Dr. Teg Pipes, former postdoctoral fellow; Jeffrey Thatcher, a doctoral candidate in biomedical engineering; Dr. Cristi Galindo, postdoctoral research fellow; and co-senior author, Dr. Eric Olson, chairman of molecular biology.
The work was supported by the Ted Nash Long Life Foundation, the American Heart Association, and the National Institutes of Health.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/heartlungvascular to learn more about UT Southwestern's clinical services in cardiology and cardiothoracic and vascular surgery.
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Tremendous medical progress has been made to counter the damaging effects of heart attacks, but ordinarily, mammalian hearts are incapable of repairing themselves following damage. They are also limited in their ability to form new blood vessels. Earlier studies demonstrated that TB4 is expressed in the embryonic heart and stimulates cardiac vessels to form. It was therefore thought that introduction of TB4 might activate new vessel growth in the adult heart.
In this mouse study researchers found that TB4 initiates capillary tube formation of adult coronary endothelial cells in tissue culture. The molecule also encourages cardiac regeneration by inhibiting death in heart cells after an injury such as a heart attack and by stimulating new vessel growth.
"We observed that by injecting this protein systemically, there was increased cardiac function after a heart attack," said Dr. Ildiko Bock-Marquette, assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at UT Southwestern and the study's lead author. "We hope this protein can inhibit cell death that occurs during a heart attack in the short term, and that it may initiate new growth of coronary vessels by activating progenitor cells in the long term."
Researchers assessed the effect of TB4 on new vessel growth in adult mice after inducing heart attacks and then following up by introducing TB4 into the animals. An examination of the capillary smooth muscle cells following treatment with TB4 showed a significant increase in capillary density in the heart three days afterward near the site of the heart attack, the scientists reported.
Further studies will examine whether the same events occur in larger mammals and which receptors are responsible for the action of this molecule.
Other UT Southwestern researchers involved in the study were Santwana Shrivastava, research assistant; and John Shelton, senior research scientist. Study authors also included Dr. Teg Pipes, former postdoctoral fellow; Jeffrey Thatcher, a doctoral candidate in biomedical engineering; Dr. Cristi Galindo, postdoctoral research fellow; and co-senior author, Dr. Eric Olson, chairman of molecular biology.
The work was supported by the Ted Nash Long Life Foundation, the American Heart Association, and the National Institutes of Health.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/heartlungvascular to learn more about UT Southwestern's clinical services in cardiology and cardiothoracic and vascular surgery.
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Heart Cells Current Events and Heart Cells News RSSInhibition of GRK2 is protective against acute cardiac stress injuries
Inhibition of a protein known to contribute to heart failure also appears to be protective of the heart in more acute cardiac stress injury, namely ischemia reperfusion.
Suppressing a gene in mice prevents heart from aging, preserves its function
Scientists prevented age-related changes in the hearts of mice and preserved heart function by suppressing a form of the PI3K gene, in a study reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Viagra relatives may shrink abnormally large hearts
Compounds related to Viagra, which is already in clinical trials to prevent heart failure, may also counter the disease in a different way, according to a study published online today in the journal Circulation Research.
Team reveals molecular mechanism underlying a form of diabetes
By investigating a rare and severe form of diabetes in children, University of Iowa researchers have discovered a new molecular mechanism that regulates specialized pancreatic cells and insulin secretion.
High-fat diet affects physical and memory abilities of rats after 9 days
Rats fed a high-fat diet show a stark reduction in their physical endurance and a decline in their cognitive ability after just nine days, a study by Oxford University researchers has shown.
Adult Bone Marrow Stem Cells Injected into Skeletal Muscle Can Repair Heart Tissue
University at Buffalo researchers have demonstrated for the first time that injecting adult bone marrow stem cells into skeletal muscle can repair cardiac tissue, reversing heart failure.
Gladstone scientists identify key factors in heart cell creation
Scientists at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease have identified for the first time key genetic factors that drive the process of generating new heart cells.
Benefit of grapes may be more than skin deep
Can a grape-enriched diet prevent the downhill sequence of heart failure after years of high blood pressure?
Healing heart attack victims, one cell at a time
By using the amount of carbon 14 in the atmosphere from above-ground nuclear testing in the 1950s and 1960, researchers have determined that cells in the human heart develop into adulthood.
Researchers find current drug can treat rare heart disorder
New research has found that the answer to treating a rare inherited heart disorder could lie with a drug already on the market.
More Heart Cells Current Events and Heart Cells News Articles
 |
"Lipstick" Heart shaped(4ea) Cell Phone Mirrors-Attaches to your cell phone, iphone, blackberry, MP3, digital camera, PDA, laptop, or on any flat surface by CELLMIRROR Universal mirror for all cell phones, Blackberry, iphones, MP3's, PDA's, digital cameras, laptops, PC's or any other device/appliance with a flat surface Nonmetallic or glass for safety(no sharp edges) INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Peel off the adhesive from the mirror and place firmly on the device. Go over entire surface using a soft cloth. 2. Enjoy your new mirror to always look your best! *Excludes S&H |
 |
Miracle Stem Cell Heart Repair: (For Heart Attack, Heart Failure and Bypass Patients) by Christian Wilde (Author) |
 |
Cell Your Heart Schedule (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Cell Phone Pouch Flat Wallet With Crystal Heart and Chain Strap -- Choice Of Colors, Black by PammyJ Wallet This is a very cute and simple cell phone holder and flat wallet all in one. Cell phone pouch will hold most cell phones but larger phones like the IPhone and other Smart phones may be too big. Crystal heart on the front gives it some glamour with a silver chain strap. Inside wallet has 4 slots for credit cards or ID and there is a bills slot on the opposite side. This is perfect for those days you want to grab the phone, money, and run. Measurements 2.75"W x 4.75"H x 2"D |
 |
Gioielli Italy Pink Leather PHOTO Sticker ROUND Crystal HEART Cell Phone Charm by Body Candy Gioielli Italy Cell Phone Charms. Be original with this PHOTO CELL PHONE charm. Photo Sticker with Crystal Heart On Pink Leather Band Cell Phone Charm Add Your Favorite Photo And Cherish The Memories! |
 |
Relic Jeweled Triple Heart Cell Phone Charm by Relic Cell phone charms are a fun and creative way to personalize your cell phone! They can be attached via the loop through your phone's wrist strap eyelet. Our charms can also be used on MP3 players, purse straps, backpacks, or as zipper pulls! Give your cell phone unique identity with these lovely phone charms. |
 |
Cute Swarovski Crystal Blue Dangle Heart Cell Phone Charm by moonofblue This cute cell phone charm made with a 10mm heart shaped clasp & two 10mm Swarovski crystal blue heart. It can be use for cell phone, zipper pull, backpack, purse, or MP3. |
|
Heart Cell Memory by G.E. Stinson, Devin Sarno | |
 |
4-Cell Valentine Sprinkles Hearts, Cinnamon, Nonpareils by Foxrun |
 |
BLACK with SILVER & PINK HEARTS DIVA CRYSTALS snap on cover faceplate for Blackberry Curve 8300 8310 8320 & 8330 by Cell Envy Be the Envy of all of your friends by making your cell phone fit your style with one of our covers! Our covers do not require any tools to install, they simply snap onto your phone in a flash! We promise to ship your products super fast and with care! Satisfaction guaranteed! All purchases are protected by Amazon's A-to-Z Safe Buying Guarantee covering the delivery and condition of your cover upon receipt. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |