Found a way to restore the heart after a heart attack
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Joint efforts of an international research group, which consisted of American and Chinese scientists, developed a completely new method that helps restore the heart of a person who has suffered an attack. The new method is based on the principle of regeneration - a special type of molecule allows you to start the process of repairing damaged organ cells.
As you know, the heart of an adult can not practically repair damaged cells, for example, after a heart attack. But during the work of the international group, it was found out that newborn mice possess the ability to restore cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells), but only during the first week of their birth.
The research project was headed by Edward Morrisi (professor of the private research university in Philadelphia). His team, in the course of their research, tried to determine whether it was possible to resume the ability to restore cardiomyocytes in adult individuals, as well as in humans.
For their work, scientists have chosen miR302-367 molecules that are capable of supporting cell self-renewal, as well as the ability to differentiate into different cell types (with the exception of extra-germ cells).
As noted by specialists, with the help of special molecular compounds, it is possible to start the regeneration process in the heart cells (as already mentioned, the heart of an adult person is not capable of recovery).
The group of researchers began their experiments on rodents and as a result they managed to achieve positive results. The only negative thing was that the rodents after the procedure did not last longer than a week.
In addition, the use of molecules leads to a rapid expansion of the cell mass, which increases the risk of developing heart failure.
Now a group of specialists is faced with the task of determining the mechanism of action of the new technique and stopping the excessive growth of cells, clinical trials have already been assigned for this purpose.
In the meantime, a group of scientists from King's College has proven that healthy eating significantly reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
For the study, specialists selected more than 150 participants and monitored their health for three months. All volunteers had to switch to a healthy diet and eat mostly fruits, vegetables, fish and give up salty, fatty and sweet food.
After examining the participants, experts noted that almost all of them lost weight (on average 1.3 kg), blood cholesterol level decreased, blood pressure and arterial and renal pressure normalized and heart rate per minute normalized. As you know, it is the heart rate and high blood pressure that provoke the development of a heart attack and stroke (and after 40 years the risk increases by 30%).
The positive influence of healthy nutrition on the body was established in earlier studies, for example, the predominance of vegetables and fruits in the diet improves mood and reduces the risk of depression.
[