Heart fibrosis, who was previously considered a result of injury, could play an important role in the development of heart failure. This conclusion was scientists from the University of Washington. Their results were published in Science.
Researchers have focused on Dilatiate Cardiomyopathy, which is one of the most common heart disease that affects about 1,50 people. In this condition, the heart loses his ability to effectively push blood. There are currently no effective treatment.
Researchers have focused on fibrobblasts, recovery of tissue after injury to the function usually participating in cells. In the case of Cardiomyopathy, these cells begin to rebuild the extraordinary matrix, causing hardening and spinning of heart tissue, which further disrupts its function.
In their experiments, researchers have used genetically modified cells, mutations related to cardiomyopathy and artificial cardiac tissue. This allowed them to follow how fibroblasts responded to mechanical signals coming from the heart, causing a vicious circle, the growth of tissue rigidity, deteriorating muscle cells and further conscientifications.
Scientists have also managed to temporarily block P38 signal route in laboratory mice in fibroblasts. This has stopped the growth of the scar and partially prevented heart damage. Researchers say this opens the doors for the new approaches to the early intervention of Cardiomyopathy.
"If we intervene before the start of active fibrosis, we can prevent the loss of heart function," said the author of the study Bella Reichhardt.
Translation of: Euromedia24.com
