Proteins predict heart attack in advance
Hopkins researchers have identified five proteins that are released when blood flow to the heart is severely decreased. These proteins could allow physicians to develop a test for an imminent heart attack in people with reduced blood flow, or ischemia.
The researchers, led by Jennifer Van Eyk of the Hopkins Proteomics Center, analyzed blood samples from patients before and after a bout of ischemia.
"We ran a mass spectrometry continuously for about six months," Van Eyk said, describing the extremely demanding and time-consuming process required to identify the proteins present in the blood. Mass spec determines the mass-to-charge ratio of the fragments of a compound, from which one can determine its exact composition.
In this case, the proteins found in pre- and post-ischemic blood were identified and their relative concentrations were compared. Of the thousands of different proteins present, they found five proteins in particular whose concentrations increased dramatically after the ischemia had occurred.
These five proteins are lumican, semenogelin, angiogenin, extracellular matrix protein and (deep breath) long palate, lung and nasal epithelium carcinoma-associated protein 1. These proteins are thought to have roles in tissue growth and immunity.
When ischemia occurs, time is of the essence. If left untreated, the reduced blood flow can result in permanent heart tissue damage, a potentially fatal heart attack, or in scientific terms, a myocardial infarction (MI). This occurs when part of the heart tissue dies from a lack of oxygen.
The detection of these proteins through a simple blood test could quickly and effectively alert EMTs or ER physicians to the condition of the patient, and what treatment is necessary. Oftentimes, when a patient experiences chest pain, an electrocardiogram (EKG) is not enough to determine whether the patient has already had a heart attack or is about to have one.
Furthermore, patients coming into the emergency room may be misdiagnosed. According to Van Eyk, "If you come in with chest pain, it could also be a pulmonary embolism or heartburn."
The researchers, led by Jennifer Van Eyk of the Hopkins Proteomics Center, analyzed blood samples from patients before and after a bout of ischemia.
"We ran a mass spectrometry continuously for about six months," Van Eyk said, describing the extremely demanding and time-consuming process required to identify the proteins present in the blood. Mass spec determines the mass-to-charge ratio of the fragments of a compound, from which one can determine its exact composition.
In this case, the proteins found in pre- and post-ischemic blood were identified and their relative concentrations were compared. Of the thousands of different proteins present, they found five proteins in particular whose concentrations increased dramatically after the ischemia had occurred.
These five proteins are lumican, semenogelin, angiogenin, extracellular matrix protein and (deep breath) long palate, lung and nasal epithelium carcinoma-associated protein 1. These proteins are thought to have roles in tissue growth and immunity.
When ischemia occurs, time is of the essence. If left untreated, the reduced blood flow can result in permanent heart tissue damage, a potentially fatal heart attack, or in scientific terms, a myocardial infarction (MI). This occurs when part of the heart tissue dies from a lack of oxygen.
The detection of these proteins through a simple blood test could quickly and effectively alert EMTs or ER physicians to the condition of the patient, and what treatment is necessary. Oftentimes, when a patient experiences chest pain, an electrocardiogram (EKG) is not enough to determine whether the patient has already had a heart attack or is about to have one.
Furthermore, patients coming into the emergency room may be misdiagnosed. According to Van Eyk, "If you come in with chest pain, it could also be a pulmonary embolism or heartburn."
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posted 1/15/09 @ 12:22 PM EST
This research is very great in treams of stoping the loss of life in peoples afected by this disease ,
this is very true even the SGOT SGPT levels are also incresed along with those protiens. (Continued…)
Monica Ackers
posted 3/07/09 @ 12:07 AM EST
wow, this brings back some great memories! it seems like just yesterday i was watching all of these great shows, and more great shows. this homecoming theme has been so much fun!
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