New clot-dissolving treatment possible
PORTLAND, Ore., March 17 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have identified a mechanism that might lead to the first safe clot-dissolving agent for treating heart attacks and strokes.
A team of researchers from the Oregon Health and Science University and Washington University in St. Louis described the mechanism that gives a mutant enzyme molecule that they have engineered -- and patented -- the potential to become a breakthrough drug for treating heart attacks and strokes.
The team, writing in the journal Vascular Biology, described how their genetically modified enzyme, called WE-thrombin, functions as a potent clot dissolving agent, while retaining little of the power that thrombin, its non-engineered parent, has to cause clot development.
"The successful development of WE-thrombin would be a major medical breakthrough in antithrombotic therapy, ultimately saving thousands of lives worldwide each year," said Dr. Andras Gruber, an Oregon Health and Science University associate professor who led the research.
The researchers contemplate that, if approved for use in humans, WE thrombin could safely be injected by paramedics or others, without fear of causing harm, whenever someone displays the first symptoms of a stroke or heart attack even if the symptoms prove to be a false alarm.
--
Copyright 2008 by United Press International.
All rights reserved.
--
|
Friends of Apples for Health
Affordable Health Insurance - Free, no obligation quotes on affordable health insurance
Texas Vacation Rentals - Family oriented lake house and cabin rentals on secluded guest ranch.
Pond Supplies-Water Treatments, Algae control, Pumps, Filtersand other Maintenance Product
