New Molecular Trigger Described for Hypertension, Diabetes

nlm.nih.gov — MONDAY, June 30 (HealthDay News) -- A newly discovered molecular malfunction may explain the development of high blood pressure, diabetes and immune problems, researchers report. Rogue versions of enzymes known as proteases roam the body, clipping off working segments of the receptors that allow insulin to enter cells and do its job, according to a report in the June 30 online issue of Hypertension. That uncontrolled enzymatic activity also reduces the immune system's response to infection and raises blood pressure, the report noted. "We are describing a new mechanism for disease and injury to the body," said study author Frank DeLano, a research scientist with the department of bioengineering at the University of California, San Diego. "It is an idea that hasn't been presented before. If we apply a protease inhibitor, we can prevent the damage we see in laboratory animals."

add a comment | category: Hypertension | Views: 0 | Get KickIt image code