A team of researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine in the United States has made a scientific discovery regarding the role of a new molecule known as circ-cdr1as in improving heart recovery after heart attacks.
The researchers explained that this molecule works as an intelligent regulator of the functions of macrophages, which are immune cells that work as a cleaning and repair crew inside the body.
These cells have the ability to switch between two modes: the first searches for germs, destroys them, and cleans dead cells after infection, and the second supports the tissue healing process and reduces inflammation.
The discovered molecule maintains cells in their therapeutic anti-inflammatory state, which enhances the repair process of damaged tissue in the heart.
The results of the study showed that increasing the level of this molecule in immune cells contributes to improving the efficiency of the heart’s work and reducing the amount of damage resulting from a heart attack.
It also showed that the levels of the molecule decrease in macrophages and heart cells after injury, but raising its level helps keep the cells in a repair state, which leads to better recovery of heart tissue.
Scientists indicated that this discovery may pave the way for the development of future treatments that stimulate the heart’s ability to heal after heart attacks and similar injuries.