Molecule linked to cardiac insufficiency 'identified'

Scientists have identified a key enzyme that is linked to cardiac insufficiency, a finding they claim could  open new possibilities for treating patients with heart disease.  

A international team, led by the Navarra University in Spain, has in fact identified the enzyme which contains a molecule that is actually linked to the development of cardiac insufficiency in many people.  According to the scientists, this enzyme is involved in the accumulation of fibrous tissues in hearts of patients suffering from chronic cardiac diseases and deterioration of heart functions. 

The accumulation of fibrosis in the heart has been proven to have a significant influence on the development of cardiac insufficiency among patients with chronic heart disease.  So, the team analysed the expression of Llysyl oxidase, an enzyme which regulates the amount of fibrous tissue in cardiac muscle.  

"By means of molecular and histological methods, we have found that the cardiac muscle in patients with cardiac insufficiency contains an excess of this enzyme as well as collagen fibre (which it produces). These factors are associated with the deterioration of cardiac functions," team leader Dr Begoña López said.

According to the scientists, this project shows that some drugs prescribed for patients with cardiac insufficiency do not actually inhibit the enzyme lysyl oxidase, nor do they reduce fibrosis or improve heart functions.  Other drugs however, which are less commonly used, do have these beneficial qualities.

"Our work opens new possibilities for treating patients with heart disease through the inhibition of the enzyme. The development of cardiac insufficiency could thus be impeded," López said.  

The findings have been published in the 'Hypertension' journal.