A trio of researchers in Mizzou’s Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building have developed a treatment for a leading cause of heart disease in America: arterial stiffening. When the human vascular system, known for delivering oxygen, nutrients, hormones and other vital substances to cells and organs in the body, loses the ability to expand and contract — a process called arterial stiffening — the body is more susceptible to cardiovascular disease.
In a remarkable discovery, Camila Manrique-Acevedo, Luis Martinez-Lemus and Jaume Padilla have pioneered a molecular therapeutic that reduces arterial stiffness and improves blood vessel function, providing hope for those suffering from cardiovascular disease.
Arterial Stiffening
Thanks to a $3 million NIH grant, the team will spend the next five years researching the mechanisms that drive arterial stiffening in individuals 60 years and older, as well as determining the efficacy of therapeutics such as the sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin (Empa) that proved successful in reducing stiffness and improving vascular function in other populations.
Arteries that stiffen are a significant health concern that can lead to various cardiovascular issues, impacting overall well-being. Understanding its implications and the factors contributing to this condition is crucial for fostering a proactive approach to heart health. For those seeking to learn more about the disease and how it may affect you or your loved ones, please contact a local heart specialist. Your health is paramount, and staying informed is the first step toward prevention.
The high number of retirees residing in our communities makes this disease a significant worry along the Grand Strand.