0
0
Monash University researchers have discovered a promising treatment for diabetes-induced heart disease using a natural fat molecule called lipoxin A4 (LXA4). This breakthrough, detailed in the journal Cardiovascular Diabetology, highlights the potential of LXA4 to significantly reduce inflammation and improve heart function in preclinical studies.
LXA4, known for its role as a “calming agent” that resolves inflammation and prevents chronic damage, could be pivotal in addressing diabetic heart disease. Such conditions, including atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and heart failure, are leading causes of mortality in people with diabetes, contributing to a growing global health crisis.
Dr. Chengxue Helena Qin, a senior author from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS), emphasized the critical role of chronic inflammation in damaging the diabetic heart over time.
“We found that LXA4 could halve inflammation and scar formation in cases of heart disease induced by diabetes, as shown in preclinical animal models,” said Dr. Qin. “With advancements in developing more ‘drug-like’ LXA4, our findings point to its potential as a groundbreaking therapy for diabetic heart disease.”
Dr. Phillip Kantharidis, Senior Research Fellow in Monash’s Department of Diabetes, underscored the study’s implications for more precise treatments.
“Currently, heart inflammation in diabetic patients is treated similarly to other heart diseases. This study opens the door to more targeted and effective options, potentially complementing blood sugar management medications,” he said.
The research team, including MIPS PhD candidate Ting Fu, noted LXA4’s ability to stimulate reparative macrophages—a type of white blood cell crucial for healing.
“These macrophages reduced scar formation caused by chronic inflammation and improved overall heart function,” explained Ms. Fu.
Looking ahead, the researchers are focusing on creating a stable, drug-like version of LXA4 and exploring its potential to treat a range of inflammatory diseases.
This collaborative research, involving MIPS, Monash’s Department of Diabetes, and University College Dublin, marks a significant step forward in combating diabetic heart disease and its devastating effects.
Reference:
Fu, T., et al. (2024). Lipoxin A4 improves cardiac remodeling and function in diabetes-associated cardiac dysfunction. Cardiovascular Diabetology. doi.org/10.1186/s12933-024-02501-x.
