New Study Shows Potential for Cardiac Regeneration After Heart Attack
Cardiac regeneration becomes possible đź”—
![In mice reprogramming of energy metabolism restores cardiac function after infarction In mice reprogramming of energy metabolism restores cardiac function after infarction](https://www.mpg.de/21009015/teaser-1698328591.png?t=eyJ3aWR0aCI6MTIwMCwiaGVpZ2h0IjpudWxsLCJmaXQiOm51bGwsIm9ial9pZCI6MjEwMDkwMTV9--6c57cd6f0c1d0eae3733161d369c2996aa0dacb4)
The Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research conducted a groundbreaking study in mice, demonstrating that a change in the energy metabolism of heart muscle cells can enable cardiac regeneration after a heart attack. By reprogramming the metabolism and inactivating a specific gene, the researchers were able to trigger a significant increase in heart muscle cell numbers and a restoration of heart function. The study offers potential for new therapeutic approaches in humans, although further research and development are needed for reliable treatments.
- After birth, the human heart loses its regenerative capacity, leading to permanent damage and reduced function in response to heart muscle injuries or diseases.
- The study in mice showed that inactivating the gene Cpt1b, essential for fatty acid oxidation, led to a significant increase in heart muscle cell numbers and restoration of heart function after a heart attack.
- The researchers identified a mechanism involving increased levels of alpha-ketoglutarate, which led to the activation of an enzyme that promotes the regeneration of cardiac muscle cells.
- The findings suggest the potential for developing therapies to stimulate the regenerative capacity of the human heart in the future.