Gene Predicts Heart Attack Response And Cardiac Damage

A recently discovered protein found to influence the response of the heart to a lack of oxygen and blood flow, may present a new therapeutic approach to treating these conditions associated with heart attack. The protein is called macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and it was found to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator of cellular energy balance, which protects the heart from injury during a heart attack. They found that when MIF is released in response to a lack of oxygen, it leads to the activation of AMPK, resulting in a protective metabolic effect in the heart. When researchers, tested rats lacking the MIF gene, they found them to have a deficiant AMPK response, and they suffered more severe heart attacks than mice with an intact MIF gene. This study suggests that we may be able to identify individuals, based on their genetic characteristics, who are likely to suffer more cardiac damage during a heart attack.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080130141616.htm