Scientists from the University of Coimbra in Portugal found that increased concentration of the protein lactadherin in the coronary arteries may be a sign of the activation of specific inflammatory pathways associated with rapid aging of the heart. Research results published In the journal Molecular and Cellular Proteomics (MCP).
The study focused on changes in heart muscle tissue in mice and humans. Scientists have studied both the normal aging process and accelerated aging due to various diseases. They found that some myocardial tissues, particularly the extracellular matrix, undergo transformation as the heart wears out. It is stated that the extracellular matrix is a framework that supports the structure of cells.
Transformation of the extracellular matrix requires changes in the amount of various proteins in the tissues of the heart and the vessels leading to it. Scientists found that one such protein, lactadherin, is produced in increased amounts during both normal heart aging (in older mice and humans) and accelerated aging in young hearts. An increase in its concentration is associated with the activation of specific inflammatory signaling pathways underlying the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.
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