No More Heart Failure After Damage? Scientists Discover A Way To Regenerate Heart Cells – News18
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In new research, scientists have discovered that heart muscle regeneration may be possible. This study presents a way to prevent heart failure by halting the progression of cardiomyopathy, thereby aiding heart recovery
This breakthrough could revolutionise the use of existing drugs like nifedipine, which regulates calcium entry into cells in heart failure patients. (AI Generated)
Most people today suffer from heart diseases. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 1.79 crore people die each year due to various heart-related conditions. It is understood that heart disease is the leading cause of premature deaths worldwide. When someone develops heart disease, the heart muscles begin to weaken because the cells do not regenerate. However, in recent research, scientists have discovered that heart muscle regeneration may be possible.
Heart Failure Can Be Prevented
This study was conducted jointly by Baylor College of Medicine and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane and has been published in NPJ Regenerative Medicine.
The research has identified a method to halt the progression of cardiomyopathy. Dr Riham Abuliisa, Assistant Professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Baylor College, explained that when the heart sustains damage, a condition known as cardiomyopathy occurs, leading to the gradual weakening of heart muscles. Since these muscles do not naturally heal, the risk of heart failure increases.
However, Dr Abuliisa stated that this study offers a way to prevent heart failure by halting the progression of cardiomyopathy, thereby aiding heart recovery.
Heart Cells Can Be Regenerated
Dr Abuliisa further revealed that the study found stopping calcium flow in cardiomyopathy could trigger heart muscle regeneration. Researchers achieved this by blocking the L-type calcium channel (LTCC), a protein that regulates calcium levels in these cells.
The results indicate that LTCC could be a key target for developing new medicines to increase and regenerate heart cells. The study demonstrated that preventing LTCC function, both through medication and genetic intervention, can regenerate heart muscle cells by altering the activity of calcineurin, which controls their growth.
This breakthrough could revolutionise the use of existing drugs like nifedipine, which regulates calcium entry into cells in heart failure patients. Dr Tamer Mohammad stated that this research highlights the importance of focusing on the calcium signalling pathway for heart repair, potentially leading to new treatments for heart disease patients.
