Immune response and the lymphatic system are key to cardiac repair after heart attack

Children's Health

Immune response and the lymphatic system are central to cardiac repair after a heart attack, according to a study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute. These insights into the basic mechanisms of cardiac repair are the first step towards developing novel therapeutic approaches to preserve heart function. Findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

We found that macrophages, or immune cells that rush to the heart after a heart attack to ‘eat’ damaged or dead tissue, also induce vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) that triggers the formation of new lymphatic vessels and promotes healing. Our challenge now is to find a way either to administer VEGFC or to coax these macrophages to induce more VEGFC, in order to speed the heart repair process.”

Edward Thorp, PhD, Co-Senior Author, Heart Center at Lurie Children’s and Associate Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

People who suffer a heart attack are at high risk for heart failure, even with the advances in medications to reduce mortality. This occurs in part because some macrophages that arrive at the site of damage are proinflammatory and do not induce VEGFC.

“It is a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde scenario, with ‘good’ macrophages that induce VEGFC and the ‘bad’ ones that don’t. We need to prevent the ‘bad’ macrophages from causing further damage,” said co-senior author Guillermo Oliver, PhD, Director of Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute – Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, and Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “We are working to understand more about the progression to heart failure after a heart attack, in order to intervene early and reset the course to cardiac repair.”

Journal reference:

Glinton, K.E., et al. (2022) Macrophage-produced VEGFC is induced by efferocytosis to ameliorate cardiac injury and inflammation. Journal of Clinical Investigation. doi.org/10.1172/JCI140685.

Articles You May Like

Mommy’s Favorite Things – 7 ideas to Relax and Unwind
Is there a better way to screen for cervical cancer?
Can probiotics prevent ear infections and tonsilitis?
5 Ways to a Healthy Coparenting Relationship after Divorce
The CRA may owe you money from years ago
Newborn sleep: 7 common mistakes new parents make
How the Fisher-Price Play Lab turns child’s play into educational toys
This TikTok mom found the simplest way to keep toddlers entertained
What Are Breast Pads? Types and Tips To Choose Them
World of Discovery | MPlay | Mothercare
Did You Know Some Halloween Candy Is Better for Your Kid’s Teeth?
2022 Tri My Best Adaptive Triathlon
2021 Tri My Best Adaptive Triathlon
Can Babies Play Independently?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.