Hello friends! I hope you and your loved ones are getting excited for that delicious Thanksgiving meal later this week ;) Our entire family here at Aortic Hope hope you have a great time this year. We are THANKFUL FOR YOU!
Today, I wanted to share a great article I just found from NewsMedicalLifeSciences - https://tinyurl.com/4p8be42b discussing some very interesting findings from two research projects that presented at the American Heart Association meeting last Spring.
First, a group of scientists from the Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis found a way to use specialized "mesenchymal stromal cells" to fight the formation of aortic aneurysms.
The idea behind it is brilliant! IL-10 is a chemical made by the body that helps fight off inflammation -- the very same kind of inflammation that can damage our blood vessels and cause weakening that can lead to aortic aneurysms and dissections. However, when it is low, inflammation can then continue to go on and cause problems..
https://tinyurl.com/4kfhvt2m
The authors were able to take and use these specialized cells from healthy donors and implant them into 16 male patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysms. They found that over time, the participants that received the cell treatment saw an increase in anti-inflammatory IL-10 and a decrease in pro-inflammatory chemical signalers!
Even more remarkable, was that the treatment seemed to help decrease the size of the aneurysms in patients receiving higher doses of the cell, although further research is needed to see if these effects continue. Still, very very exciting stuff for future aortic treatments if these cells are proven to help decrease the progression of aortic inflammation!
In the same link above, the another study from Stanford University School of Medicine was discussed. Researched found that patients who were previously infected with COVID-19 had a near 10x higher risk of aortic aneurysm growth. Other risk factors found in the study were having kidney disease and smoking.
https://tinyurl.com/mvjsvyaa
However, the study was unable to determine whether severity or treatment of COVID-19, as well as virus strain played a role in its impact on aneurysm size. While further research is needed into what deeper role COVID-19 plays on the natural course of aortic disease, it is worth noting that previously other lung viruses, such as the flu have been shown to negatively affect the aorta. Be sure to practice healthy habits this winter, get vaccinated and wear your mask in crowded places to be safe!
And that's it for this week. It is always a pleasure to be a part of these posts. If you have any questions or requests for future Topic Tuesdays, be sure to comment them down below for Duc and I to read up on!
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy yourselves! Until next time old friends, remember to always Think Aorta, Think Family.
With regards ,
Adham
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