by Playfuls Staff |
22nd November 2006
U.S. scientists say compounds that help insects develop into adults have been shown in a mouse model to prevent and [more] reduce congestive heart failure.
The research -- led by University of California-Davis cardiologist and cell biologist Nipavan Chiamvimonvat and entomology Professor Bruce Hammock -- identifies epoxide hydrolase inhibitors as novel and powerful chemical compounds that block an immune system protein known to play a role in cardiac cell overgrowth and arrhythmias.
The finding, the researchers said, is important because it identifies a new biochemical target for the development of drugs to treat enlargement of the heart and arrhythmias.
"Enlargement of the heart is one of the most common causes of heart failure in the United States," said Chiamvimonvat. "Once cardiac failure develops, the condition is irreversible and is associated with a very high death rate. Fifty percent of patients whose heart failure has progressed to include shortness of breath without physical activity do not to survive beyond one year.
"We need a better way to control and prevent enlargement of the heart," he added.
The study is described in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
© 2006 UPI
