News Tips for Wednesday, Nov. 12
>From the American Heart Association's 70th Scientific Sessions Nov. 9-12, 1997, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
11:30 a.m. -- #3071 -- Gene therapy may prevent the growth of "smooth muscle cells." These cells are normally found in the wall of the arteries, but proliferate during atherosclerosis and cause blockages that can trigger a heart attack or strokes. In studies with pigeons that are bred to be highly susceptible to atherosclerosis, researchers identified a molecule, called syndecan-4, that has low activity. By upregulating the gene for syndecan-4, researchers may be able to prevent smooth muscle cell growth. William Wagner, Ph.D., Bowman Gray School of Medicine: (910) 716-2135.
1:30-3:15 p.m. -- #4157 (poster) -- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, a disease marked by disrupted breathing during sleep leading to oxygen deprivation, is associated with increased heart disease risk. The disease causes problem in the heart's right ventricle, which pumps blood to the lungs. A report by Belgian scientists suggests that during sleep apnea, an imbalance in autonomic nerve function occurs. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions, such as those of the heart and blood vessels. This problem affects vital heart function during non-REM (rapid-eye-movement) sleep. Researchers say this finding may help explain heart-related deaths in sleep apnea patients. Ali R. Bilge, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium: 32-4-366-71-95. See also #3590 (poster, 10:30 a.m.- noon) for report on a study of 24 sleep apnea patients finding that treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can lead to significant -- but only tem! porary -- improvement in apnea patients' right ventricle pumping ability. "Regular cardiac evaluation of these patients" is advised. Bernd M. Sanner, Ruhr University Bochum, Herne, Germany: 49-723-237-499-3023.
1:30-3:15 p.m. -- #4119 (poster) -- With the banning of popular weight-loss drugs from the market, interest shifts to alternate treatments for obesity, a risk factor for heart disease and high blood pressure. In a two-year study, a drug called orlistat, which inhibits an enzyme essential to fat absorption, was tested randomly among 1,187 people. Daily 120-milligram doses of the drug appear to lower cholesterol and blood insulin levels while trimming waistlines and helping to prevent weight regain, researchers report. Michael Davidson, Chicago Center for Clinical Research: 312-494-2221.
4:15 p.m. -- #4025 -- Benefits of a pioneering drug used to break up coronary clots continue for a decade, according to a follow-up of the clinical trial widely recognized to have begun the era of clot-busting therapy for heart patients. Italian researchers report that the effectiveness of streptokinase continues 10 years later. Individuals who were treated within one hour of their symptoms back in 1984 and 1985 benefited most. Maria Grazia Franzosi, Instituto Mario Negri, Milano, Italy: 39-2-332-00049.
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