A new target in the treatment of atherosclerosis is a hormone that controls the level of iron
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Scientists from the University of Emory have identified hepcidin (hepcidin), a hormone that regulates the level of iron in the body, which will help in the development of new methods of treating atherosclerosis.
Suppression of hepcidin leads to a decrease in the level of iron in leukocytes found in arterial plaques. Reducing the level of iron causes these cells to clean plaques from harmful cholesterol, participating in the so-called "reverse" transport of cholesterol, scientists say.
During the study, mice were modeled atherosclerosis. After that LDN 193189 was introduced, which reduces the level of heptcidin by blocking its synthesis. The results of the study showed that the mice that were administered this substance had fewer atherosclerotic plaques and cholesterol in these plaques, which can eventually lead to heart attack and stroke.
Finn, the author of the study, also presented a study that showed the effect of hemoglobin - iron-containing protein on macrophages.
Finn and his colleagues used isolated human cells and a model of atherosclerosis in a rabbit to show that macrophages react to hemoglobin, increasing the synthesis of proteins that transport cholesterol.
In the context of atherosclerosis, iron is toxic because it enhances the action of reactive oxygen species, which leads to more pronounced inflammation. Previous research has shown that hemorrhages within atherosclerotic plaques lead to the release of hemoglobin from erythrocytes, which leads to the expansion of the necrotic zone - a sign of an "unstable plaque".
Macrophages protect the body from the toxic effects of iron through the absorption of macrophages by hemoglobin and promotes detoxification.
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