New Protein May Provide Clue to Heart Disease Risk

A new study published in Circulation Research has further established the role of a well-known protein in promoting atherosclerosis. Referred to as matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), this enzyme normally functions in breaking down certain proteins in the body and is usually found at the site of atherosclerotic lesions. Atherosclerotic lesions, or plaques, can be caused by persistently high cholesterol levels. These plaques can continue to build up over time, reducing blood flow to affected organs.

Researchers in this study fed mice a diet high in cholesterol and fat (or Western diet) and blocked the production of MMP-8 in some of these mice. They found that mice having very low levels of MMP-8 were less likely to develop atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels of their hearts. On the other hand, the mice still producing this protein had an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Although this wasn't studied in humans, this new finding provides us with more information about how atherosclerosis occurs. High cholesterol is an important contributor to the formation of atherosclerosis, but there are other factors in the body contibuting to this that are not fully understood. This finding may provide more information about other factors contributing to atherosclerosis, or possibly a future treatment to prevent it.

More About Atherosclerosis:

• What Is Atherosclerosis?
• Why Worry About Atherosclerosis?
• Ways You Can Prevent Atherosclerosis