We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Aortic Aneurysm May Be Treatable with Asthma Drugs

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 20 Dec 2010
Print article
A new study shows that asthma drugs that block cysteinyl-leukotrienes are a potential treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) by reducing the breakdown of vessel wall tissue and the dilation of the aortic wall.

Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm, Sweden) found that messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for the three key enzymes in the biosynthesis of cysteinyl-leukotrienes--5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), 5-LO-activating protein (FLAP), and LTC4 synthase (LTC4S)--are significantly increased in the wall of human AAAs. In contrast, mRNA levels of LTA4 hydrolase (the enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of LTB4) are not similarly increased. The researchers revealed that focal expression of 5-LO, FLAP, and LTC4S proteins in the media and adventitia--localized in areas rich in inflammatory cells--including macrophages, neutrophils, and mast cells. Thus, human AAA wall tissue converts arachidonic acid and the unstable epoxide LTA4 into significant amounts of cysteinyl-leukotrienes, and to a lesser extent LTB4.

According to the researchers, the increased expression of LTC4S, together with the predominant formation of cysteinyl-leukotrienes and effects on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 production, suggests a mechanism by which leukotrienes may promote matrix degradation in the AAA wall. The researchers also found that introduction of an asthma drug blocked the cysteinyl-leukotrienes, and thus impeded the release of the harmful MMPs. Their results suggest that this type of asthma drug could be used to reduce aortic dilation, and hence the danger of a ruptured AAA. The study was published in the December 7, 2010, issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

"Cysteinyl-leukotrienes can stimulate the release of protein-digesting enzymes called metalloproteases, which can contribute to the weakening of the aortic wall and the development of an aneurysm," explained lead author Prof. Jesper Haeggström, PhD, of the department of medical biochemistry and biophysics. "These asthma drugs are both efficacious and safe, and we should soon be able to test any positive effect they might have on aortic aneurysm."

Leukotrienes are arachidonic acid-derived lipid mediators involved in the pathogenesis and progression of diverse inflammatory disorders. The cysteinyl-leukotrienes LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 are important mediators of asthma, and LTB4 has recently been implicated in atherosclerosis.

Related Links:

Karolinska Institutet


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
HLX
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
Gold Member
Xylazine Immunoassay Test
Xylazine ELISA

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.