ID :
43594
Sun, 02/01/2009 - 19:23
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/43594
The shortlink copeid
Scientists discover mechanism that could help combat arteriosclerosis
By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, Feb. 1 (Yonhap) -- South scientists on Sunday said they have
discovered a mechanism that may help combat arteriosclerosis, a chronic illness
that afflicts countless number of people around the world.
The team led by Kim Bo-kyung, a professor of physiology at the Konkuk University,
said they have determined the activation of Ref-1 proteins can block the
formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that trigger neointima and
arteriosclerosis.
Neointima refers to the hardening and thickening of arterial walls that not only
disrupts normal blood flow, but can become life-threatening if small vessels
around vital organs like the heart are affected.
Arteriosclerosis is a vascular disease associated with hypertension and high
blood fat levels that can bring about fatal or debilitating heart, brain and
kidney problems.
"By activating the Ref-1 proteins, found in blood vessel cells, we have found a
mechanism that can inhibit ROS growth that is cited for clogging up arteries,"
Kim said, stressing the discovery marks the first time researchers have
discovered a link between the Ref-1 protein and arteriosclerosis.
Ordinary arteries often suffer damage that can be repaired with few side effects.
This natural healing process is adversely affected if a person has hypertension
and high blood fat levels.
Related to the discovery, published in the latest edition of the Circulation
Research journal, the scientist also said that tests have that the spleen
tyrosine kinase (Syk) signals cause a so-called feedback effect which activates
the platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF). This development contributes to ROS
growth.
"There has been previous research in this field although none have documented the
link between Syk signals to PDGF growth," the professor said.
Others in the team including Jeon Byeong-hwa, a cardiovascular expert at the
Chungnam National University's school of medicine, said if the latest discovery
can be applied successfully to human treatment it could open a new chapter in
medical science.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
SEOUL, Feb. 1 (Yonhap) -- South scientists on Sunday said they have
discovered a mechanism that may help combat arteriosclerosis, a chronic illness
that afflicts countless number of people around the world.
The team led by Kim Bo-kyung, a professor of physiology at the Konkuk University,
said they have determined the activation of Ref-1 proteins can block the
formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that trigger neointima and
arteriosclerosis.
Neointima refers to the hardening and thickening of arterial walls that not only
disrupts normal blood flow, but can become life-threatening if small vessels
around vital organs like the heart are affected.
Arteriosclerosis is a vascular disease associated with hypertension and high
blood fat levels that can bring about fatal or debilitating heart, brain and
kidney problems.
"By activating the Ref-1 proteins, found in blood vessel cells, we have found a
mechanism that can inhibit ROS growth that is cited for clogging up arteries,"
Kim said, stressing the discovery marks the first time researchers have
discovered a link between the Ref-1 protein and arteriosclerosis.
Ordinary arteries often suffer damage that can be repaired with few side effects.
This natural healing process is adversely affected if a person has hypertension
and high blood fat levels.
Related to the discovery, published in the latest edition of the Circulation
Research journal, the scientist also said that tests have that the spleen
tyrosine kinase (Syk) signals cause a so-called feedback effect which activates
the platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF). This development contributes to ROS
growth.
"There has been previous research in this field although none have documented the
link between Syk signals to PDGF growth," the professor said.
Others in the team including Jeon Byeong-hwa, a cardiovascular expert at the
Chungnam National University's school of medicine, said if the latest discovery
can be applied successfully to human treatment it could open a new chapter in
medical science.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
