New treatment shows promise in preventing heart failure after heart attack

[Mar. 20, 2021: The Endocrine Society] A study in mice finds treatment with a molecule called MCB-613 repairs heart tissue after a…

[Mar. 20, 2021: The Endocrine Society]

A study in mice finds treatment with a molecule called MCB-613 repairs heart tissue after a severe heart attack, preventing damage that can lead to heart failure. The findings are being presented virtually at ENDO 2021, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting.

"This is a remarkable discovery that may lead to effective and safe treatments to prevent the progression to heart failure after a heart attack," said lead researcher Lisa K. Mullany, Ph.D., of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Heart failure after a heart attack is the leading cause of death in humans, and currently there are no definitive therapies other than heart transplantation.

Researchers had previously found that MCB-613 stimulates proteins called steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs). These proteins are responsible for cellular changes and growth during both normal and abnormal tissue growth. After a heart attack, the damaged tissue scars. This results in tissue loss, as well as increased inflammation, scarring and decrease in heart function--all hallmarks of heart failure caused by a heart attack.

In the new study, the researchers were able to show that when mice were given MCB-613 within hours after a heart attack, the molecule decreased inflammation and scarring, and prevented the progressive decrease in heart function.

"Our findings show us that we can directly modulate heart tissue repair to prevent heart failure," Mullany said.


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Endocrinologists are at the core of solving the most pressing health problems of our time, from diabetes and obesity to infertility, bone health, and hormone-related cancers. The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest and largest organization of scientists devoted to hormone research and physicians who care for people with hormone-related conditions.

The Society has more than 18,000 members, including scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in 122 countries. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site at http://www.endocrine.org. Follow us on Twitter at @TheEndoSociety and @EndoMedia.


Tags: #New_Discoveries, #Heart_Health, #Medical_Good_News, #Endocrine, #The_Brighter_Side_of_News


Joseph Shavit
Joseph ShavitSpace, Technology and Medical News Writer
Joseph Shavit is the head science news writer with a passion for communicating complex scientific discoveries to a broad audience. With a strong background in both science, business, product management, media leadership and entrepreneurship, Joseph possesses the unique ability to bridge the gap between business and technology, making intricate scientific concepts accessible and engaging to readers of all backgrounds.