Harvard study explores new ways to treat aortic aneurysms and hypertension
Aneurysms are the silent killers. They show no symptoms and when undetected, can lead to fatal ruptures. Aortic aneurysms cause dangerous bulges in the aorta, eventually leading to the ruptures of the aorta.
A study led by Harvard Medical School, explored the reason that causes the rise of aortic aneurysms, thus offering vital clues for the treatment and prevention of these, which will also address another common condition, hypertension.
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As per the researchers, oxidative stress — chemical damage that occurs in cells from the buildup of toxic molecules called free radicals — plays a role in both disorders. Yet whether and how oxidative stress causes either disease has remained unclear.
"Our research has identified an entirely new drug target for the prevention and treatment of aortic aneurysms and hypertension,” said senior author Thomas Michel.
It was also revealed that an enzyme called DUSP3, under oxidative stress, altered cell signaling and caused cells in the lining of blood vessels to behave abnormally. Experts believe that the DUSP3-blocking compound could become the basis for new drugs to treat or even prevent aneurysms in the abdominal aorta. It could also protect against hypertension.
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As a future course of action, researchers are now investigating whether DUSP3 might also play a role in other diseases linked to oxidative stress, such as Alzheimer’s and atherosclerosis.
The team also called the breakthrough vital as the study offers a very important clue into a longstanding puzzle. Currently, there are no treatments to prevent aneurysms from forming in the first place or to halt their growth once they develop.
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