March 11, 2021
MicroRNA big news for diabetic hearts
University of Otago researchers have discovered a way to treat a condition that is one of the big killers of Māori.
Associate Professor Rajesh Katare from the department of physiology says more than half the people with type two diabetes eventually die of heart disease.
While other heart patients can be treated with stem cell therapy, that hasn’t worked for diabetic hearts.
Now the researchers have found by injecting a tiny microRNA molecule called miR-30c, which is vital for the survival of stem cells and the formation of new blood vessels, there is a significant improvement in the survival and growth of stem cells in the diabetic heart.
Dr Katare says if confirmed by further lab testing, the use of microRNA could change the treatment method for heart disease in diabetic individuals and help diabetes- sufferers – who are ten per cent of New Zealanders – lead a longer, quality life.
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