Scientists from the University of Michigan Public Health have discovered an immune protein that causes atherosclerosis, the narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of cholesterol plaques. Research published Journal of Clinical Research.
More and more research in recent years shows that the immune system plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis, the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
A team of scientists analyzed data from more than 5,000 people without cardiovascular disease. They found that high suPAR protein levels were associated with a higher risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. This protein is produced by the bone marrow and is a regulator of the immune system.
A subsequent analysis of the genetic data of 24,000 people showed that one of the variants of the PLAUR gene was associated with high levels of the suPAR protein. In addition, another previous study found that carriers of this gene variant have a high risk of developing atherosclerosis. The scientists confirmed their findings in genetically modified mice: rodents with the defective PLAUR gene had higher levels of suPAR protein and more atherosclerotic plaques than normal animals.
Scientists hypothesize that high levels of suPAR activate immune cells and cause them to overreact to the high cholesterol environment. Scientists hope to be able to develop a drug that will lower suPAR levels in the next three to five years.
Currently, cardiovascular diseases are mainly treated by controlling cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. But the root cause of most diseases is atherosclerosis, which affects more than a billion people worldwide.