Heart disease: A small molecule may make a big difference
Nature Communications
December 10, 2014
A small molecule called BGP-15 improves cardiac function in two mouse models of heart failure, a Nature Communications study reveals. It is hoped that the discovery will lead to the development of new treatments for human heart conditions.
Atrial fibrillation, which is the most common abnormal heart rhythm, and heart failure are increasing in incidence, but current drugs show limited efficacy. Julie McMullen and colleagues show that treatment with BGP-15 can prevent or reduce episodes of irregular heartbeats and significantly improve heart function in mouse models of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. BGP-15 has already been tested for human use as a treatment for other disorders and is known to be well-tolerated with a good safety profile.
The authors also show that the drug works via an unexpected molecular pathway by increasing activation of a receptor, called the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor. A shortage of this receptor has previously been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Understanding the mechanisms through which BGP-15 exerts its effects may further aid the development of new therapies for heart disease.
doi:10.1038/ncomms6705
Research highlights
-
Jan 22
Palaeontology: Fossil burrows point to colonization of ancient seafloor by giant marine wormsScientific Reports
-
Jan 21
Climate change: Lake heatwaves likely to increase by 2100Nature
-
Jan 21
Neuroscience: Cognitive decline eased by boosting macrophage metabolismNature
-
Jan 21
Sociology: Hiring discrimination against individuals from minority ethnic groups in SwitzerlandNature
-
Jan 19
Neuroscience: Non-invasive, personalized brain stimulation may reduce obsessive–compulsive behavioursNature Medicine
-
Jan 15
Environment: Seagrass meadows may facilitate marine plastic removal from the seaScientific Reports
