Scientists discover immune cell that could help reverse heart disease

Researchers at the University of Calgary have discovered a cell which lives in the area surrounding the heart that is capable of helping the heart to heal itself.

The heart is surrounded by a sac filled with pericardial fluid and although tests of the fluid have been used in diagnostics, its function has been poorly understood.

The scientists involved in the study discovered that this mysterious fluid contains macrophages, cells which are able to assist in the repair of the heart following injury and can also prevent the scarring of heart muscle.

The research began by probing the pericardial fluid of mouse hearts, at which time a previously unknown cell, called a Gata6+ pericardial cavity macrophage, was discovered to have the remarkable ability to heal heart muscle.

The scientists then went on to discover that these macrophages were also present in human pericardial fluid. This discovery suggested to the researchers that it may be possible for these cells to be boosted enough to become a therapy to treat scarred hearts.

One of the study’s co-authors, Dr Paul Fedak, said “Our discovery of a new cell that can help heal injured heart muscle will open the door to new therapies and hope for the millions of people who suffer from heart disease.

“We always knew that the heart sits inside a sac filled with a strange fluid. Now we kniow that this pericardial fluid is rich with healing cells.

“These cells may hold the secret to repair and regeneration of new heart muscle.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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