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Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have uncovered a gene on the Y chromosome that could be a key factor in the higher incidence of heart failure among men. This discovery, detailed in a study published in the journal Nature Cardiovascular Research, sheds light on a previously overlooked aspect of heart disease and opens doors to novel treatment approaches.
Led by Dr. Kenneth Walsh, director of UVA’s Hematovascular Biology Center, the study builds upon previous findings linking Y chromosome loss to heart muscle scarring and subsequent heart failure. The groundbreaking research suggests that Y chromosome loss, which occurs progressively with age and is detected in approximately 40% of 70-year-old men, may contribute significantly to heart health deterioration.
In their latest investigation, Walsh and his team identified a specific gene, Uty, on the Y chromosome that plays a crucial role in regulating immune cells involved in heart scarring. Disruption of the Uty gene, either individually or through Y chromosome loss, triggered changes in these immune cells, rendering them more prone to causing heart scarring and accelerating heart failure.
“Our previous work identified that it was loss of the entire Y chromosome that contributed to heart disease in men,” explained Walsh. “This new work identified a single gene on the Y chromosome that can account for the disease-promoting effects of Y chromosome loss.”
The study offers promising insights into potential treatment avenues for heart failure in men with Y chromosome loss. By administering a specially designed monoclonal antibody to lab mice, the researchers were able to prevent harmful changes in the immune cells, halting the progression of heart scarring and heart failure. These findings pave the way for the development of targeted therapies to address heart disease in men more effectively.
“Currently, we are working with our clinician colleagues in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at UVA to assess whether loss of the Y chromosome in men is associated with greater scarring in the heart,” Walsh stated. “This research will provide new avenues for understanding the causes of heart disease.”
The implications of this research extend beyond heart failure, potentially shedding light on a wide array of diseases influenced by Y chromosome loss. Walsh and his team believe that further exploration of this genetic mechanism could lead to breakthroughs in disease prevention and treatment, offering hope for improved health outcomes in men.
The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the American Heart Association, and various other organizations. The researchers involved in the study have no financial interests related to the work.
This groundbreaking research underscores the importance of genetic studies in unraveling the underlying mechanisms of disease and paves the way for personalized treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles. As scientists continue to delve into the complexities of human genetics, the potential for transformative advancements in healthcare grows ever closer.
