Researchers at the Health Research Institute of the “Hospital Clinico Universitario of Valencia,” in Spain, have shown that a molecule called PD033299 increases the number of a type of protective cells, known as T cells, from cholesterol plaque, making it more resistant to ruptured arteries. This molecule, which is currently used in cancer treatment, “could improve the most severe cases of atherosclerosis.”
Atherosclerosis occurs when cholesterol and inflammatory cells build up in the walls of the arteries. These deposits called plaques, over time, can narrow or block arteries and rupture them. The research was carried out by Herminia Gonzalez from the INCLIVA Metabolic Diseases Laboratory, as reported in a press release.
In patients with severe atherosclerosis, the risk of suffering a cardiovascular accident is “very high,” in particular, in those who have already had a previous episode of myocardial infarction or stroke or those who have the cholesterol plaque “especially vulnerable” which can produce this type of acute episodes.
Molecule Used In Cancer Treatment Reduces Risks Of Cardiovascular Diseases
The results showed that treatment with one molecule, the so-called PD0332991, increases the amount of these protective T cells and decreases cardiovascular diseases and vulnerability to plaque rupture in animal models.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. In Europe, for example, more than 4 million people die from cardiovascular diseases every year. In Canada, about 2.4 million are diagnosed with heart conditions and 23% of them die of such a disease, annually.
The study was conducted at the INCLIVA Health Research Institute by the Inflammation Research Groups and the Cardiometabolic Risk Research Group, with the collaboration of the CIPF Molecular Neuroendocrinology Group.
The new Spanish study revealed that a molecule is essential in reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases, raising the chances of survival in patients affected by circulatory conditions.
