Researchers focused on drug discovery have identified a natural fat molecule named ‘lipoxin A4’ (LXA4) that may effectively alleviate inflammation and enhance functionality in hearts affected by diabetes.
A preclinical research published in Cardiovascular Diabetology indicates that LXA4, recognized for its ability to calm the body’s inflammatory response and prevent chronic inflammation, may offer a promising new approach to treating heart disease caused by diabetes.
Heart issues such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and heart failure are primary causes of death among individuals with diabetes, contributing to a rising global health crisis.
According to Dr. Chengxue Helena Qin, the lead author from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS), chronic inflammation is crucial in these heart complications, leading to persistent damage over time in diabetic hearts.
Dr. Qin stated, “Our research revealed that LXA4 could reduce inflammation and scar tissue formation by 50%, specifically in cases of diabetes-related heart disease, as observed in preclinical animal studies.”
She added, “With the recent progress in crafting more ‘drug-like’ forms of LXA4, our results suggest that therapies based on LXA4 could potentially offer new avenues for managing diabetic heart disease.”
Dr. Phillip Kantharidis, a Senior Research Fellow from Monash’s Department of Diabetes and a co-author of the study, noted that current treatments for heart inflammation in diabetic patients are largely similar to those for other heart disease patients.
He mentioned, “This research paves the way for more tailored and effective treatment options for patients suffering from diabetic heart disease, especially in conjunction with their regular blood sugar management medications.”
Ting Fu, the first author of the study and a PhD candidate at MIPS, explained that the team observed positive impacts of LXA4 on the immune system within diabetic hearts.
“The molecule was seen to activate reparative macrophages — a specific type of white blood cell — in the diabetic heart,” Ms. Fu commented.
“These beneficial macrophages helped minimize scar formation caused by chronic inflammation and also improved heart functionality.”
Looking ahead, researchers are working on developing a stable drug formulation based on the LXA4 molecule.
The team is also exploring the broader implications of their findings on various inflammatory diseases and considering additional drug alternatives to address various cardio-pulmonary health issues.
This research was a collaborative project involving MIPS, the Department of Diabetes at Monash University’s Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, and University College Dublin.
