Researchers at the University of Antwerp (UAntwerpen) have identified molecules capable of improving cardiac function after a heart attack, the institution reports in a press release published Monday. This work, which is based on more than ten years of research, could pave the way for new therapeutic options to treat heart failure.
Chronic heart failure is a common pathology, affecting between 200,000 and 250,000 patients in Belgium. The causes mainly include heart attacks, but also hypertension, diabetes or certain treatments, such as chemotherapy. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and an increased risk of premature death.
Although several treatments have emerged over the past 30 years, the prognosis often remains poor, with a high rate of hospitalizations. The discovery of new drugs is therefore a priority for scientists.
A hope based on the activation of a specific protein
The team led by Dr. Vincent Segers, from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UAntwerpen, highlighted the protective effect of activating a protein, ERBB4, present in almost all cell types of the heart. This activation, unique in its kind, is possible thanks to new molecules identified from a library of more than 10,000 compounds. “These molecules slow the formation of scars in the heart and improve its function after a heart attack, as we have demonstrated in mice,” explains Dr. Segers.
Until now, only a natural protein, Neuregulin-1, could activate ERBB4, but its therapeutic use was limited due to its impossible absorption through the digestive tract.
These results, published in Nature Communicationsopen up new perspectives. Researchers now plan to optimize these molecules and test them in more complex animal models before moving on to clinical trials in humans.
Access to all features is reserved for healthcare professionals.
If you are a healthcare professional you must log in or register for free on our site to access all of our content.
If you are a journalist or if you wish to inform us, write to us at [email protected].
Belgium
