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Small gene responsible for causing heart attacks!
London May 06, 2004 3:28:25 PM IST
Scientists at the Toyko's Institute of Physical and Chemical Research have discovered a gene, which seems to play a crucial role in heart attacks.
According to BBC, the researchers have found that a particular mutation of the gene occurs more frequently in people who have had a heart attack.
The blockage of gene, which controls the inflammation in the arteries supplying blood to the heart, can trigger a heart attack.
The Japanese team is hopeful that their work will prove to be a crucial step towards a better understanding of the underlying causes of heart attacks.
They have also found that the key mutation is caused by just one tiny change to the chemical components of DNA.
The heart attack patients are more likely to carry a specific mutation in a gene that produces a protein called galectin-2.
The gene mutation changes galectin-2, and consequently affects the amount of LTA that is secreted. This causes a possibly increase in inflammation and enhances the risk of a heart attack.
"Over the last decade or so, scientists have realized that the fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) which accumulate in blood vessels are in fact due to a chronic inflammatory disease," Professor Jeremy Pearson, of the British Heart Foundation, was quoted as saying. (ANI)
Small gene responsible for causing heart attacks!
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