We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Membrane-Bound Enzyme Linked to Plaque Formation in Mouse Atherosclerosis Model

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 21 Jul 2015
Print article
Image: Results presented in this study suggest that the enzyme CD39 can suppress the plaque buildup that may trigger heart attack or stroke (Photo courtesy of the University of Michigan).
Image: Results presented in this study suggest that the enzyme CD39 can suppress the plaque buildup that may trigger heart attack or stroke (Photo courtesy of the University of Michigan).
Cardiac disease researchers working with a mouse model of atherosclerosis have found that that a specific membrane bound enzyme has the potential to inhibit build-up of plaque and reduce risk of heart attack or stroke.

Investigators at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, USA) worked with the apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-deficient) mouse model of atherosclerosis to examine the role of the enzyme CD39 (ectonucleotide tri(di)phosphohydrolase-1 or ENTPD1) in the process of plaque formation. This enzyme metabolizes locally released, intravascular ATP and ADP, thereby eliminating these pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory signaling molecules.

The investigators reported in the June 29, 2015, online edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation that when animals fed a high-fat diet were compared, it was seen that ApoE-deficient mice that also lacked CD39 had a plaque burden that was markedly increased along with circulating markers of platelet activation. CD39 was prominently expressed in stable blood flow regions and was diminished in areas subjected to disturbed flow. Thus, CD39 activation followed the pattern of plaque formation.

In mice, disturbed blood flow as the result of partial carotid artery ligation rapidly suppressed endothelial CD39 expression. Moreover, unidirectional laminar shear stress induced protective CD39 expression in human endothelial cells.

“Better lifestyles and improved treatments have slowed the rates of death from atherosclerosis, but if CD39 proves to be as critical a factor in humans as in mice, it would be a major step forward in understanding heart disease,” said senior author Dr. David Pinsky, professor of cardiology at the University of Michigan.

Related Links:

University of Michigan


Gold Member
TORCH Panel Rapid Test
Rapid TORCH Panel Test
Unit-Dose Packaging solution
HLX
New
Silver Member
Rubella Infection ELISA
ReQuest RUBELLA IgM ELISA Kit
New
Laboratory Electric Thermostat
DNP-9025A

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The bowel cancer breakthrough could result in better treatment outcomes (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New RNA Molecules Can Help Predict Bowel Cancer Return Recurrence

Colorectal cancer accounts for 10% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide and was ranked as the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States in 2022. Currently, clinicians face diagnostic... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image

AI-Based Method Shows Promise for Pathological Diagnosis of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

Alport syndrome is a hereditary kidney disorder characterized by kidney dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Early in the disease, patients experience hematuria, which is... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.