Scientists from Australia have presented compelling data that heart muscle cells can regenerate after a heart attack, refuting previous beliefs about the irreversibility of damage.
The death of heart muscle cells is considered the main reason for the decreased functionality of this organ, which begins to supply internal organs with blood less effectively after a heart attack. New research has confirmed that although the heart does indeed form scars after a heart attack, this does not prevent it from initiating the process of forming new muscle cells, as reported on the University of Sydney's website.
“This is the first instance where mitosis of cells in heart muscle has been demonstrated in humans,” noted the authors of the study. The conclusions were drawn based on models of living heart tissue.
Additional experiments identified several proteins involved in the process of heart regeneration. This discovery is significant for future clinical applications. Scientists hope to eventually learn how to produce new heart cells to prevent heart failure after a heart attack or to treat already developing complications.
Previously, other researchers identified a key gene responsible for heart recovery after a heart attack. Combining the results of these two studies could significantly enhance the effectiveness of a new approach to regeneration.
