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02/04/2007
Heart valve grown from stem cells in lab
British scientists have reportedly grown part of a human heart from stem cells for the first time.
Speaking to the 'Guardian' newspaper, heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub said that his team at Imperial College in London, had grown tissue which worked in the same way as human heart valves.
He said that the discovery could mean that it might be possible to grow a whole human heart from stem cells within ten years, while replacement tissue could possibly be used in transplants within three years.
Stem cells can replicate any other kinds of cell in the body and scientists have already grown tendons, cartilages and bladders from them, but these are not as complex as organs.
If a person received an organ grown from tissue that was genetically matched to them, there would also be no chance of rejection.
Professor Yacoub told the 'Guardian': "You can see the common pathway of death and suffering is heart failure. Reversing heart failure could have a major impact."
Professor Yacoub said that the task of growing a whole human heart was "an ambitious project, but not impossible". He said: "If you want me to guess, I'd say ten years", but added: "I wouldn't be surprised if it was some day sooner than we think."
A team including physicists, engineers, pharmacologists, cellular scientists and clinicians has been working on the project for ten years.
(KMcA/SP)
Speaking to the 'Guardian' newspaper, heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub said that his team at Imperial College in London, had grown tissue which worked in the same way as human heart valves.
He said that the discovery could mean that it might be possible to grow a whole human heart from stem cells within ten years, while replacement tissue could possibly be used in transplants within three years.
Stem cells can replicate any other kinds of cell in the body and scientists have already grown tendons, cartilages and bladders from them, but these are not as complex as organs.
If a person received an organ grown from tissue that was genetically matched to them, there would also be no chance of rejection.
Professor Yacoub told the 'Guardian': "You can see the common pathway of death and suffering is heart failure. Reversing heart failure could have a major impact."
Professor Yacoub said that the task of growing a whole human heart was "an ambitious project, but not impossible". He said: "If you want me to guess, I'd say ten years", but added: "I wouldn't be surprised if it was some day sooner than we think."
A team including physicists, engineers, pharmacologists, cellular scientists and clinicians has been working on the project for ten years.
(KMcA/SP)
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02 April 2012
Heart Failure's Effects Can Be Reversed With Rest
Structural changes in heart muscle cells after heart failure can be reversed by allowing the heart to rest, according to research at Imperial College London. Findings from a study in rats published today in the European Journal of Heart Failure show that the condition's effects on heart muscle cells are not permanent, as has generally been thought.
Heart Failure's Effects Can Be Reversed With Rest
Structural changes in heart muscle cells after heart failure can be reversed by allowing the heart to rest, according to research at Imperial College London. Findings from a study in rats published today in the European Journal of Heart Failure show that the condition's effects on heart muscle cells are not permanent, as has generally been thought.
09 April 2015
Shorter People More At Risk Of Heart Disease
Shorter people are more at risk of coronary heart disease, according to a new study led by Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, British Heart Foundation Professor of Cardiology and Head of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences. The research discovered that every 2.5 inches of change in height affects the risk of coronary heart disease by 13.5%.
Shorter People More At Risk Of Heart Disease
Shorter people are more at risk of coronary heart disease, according to a new study led by Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, British Heart Foundation Professor of Cardiology and Head of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences. The research discovered that every 2.5 inches of change in height affects the risk of coronary heart disease by 13.5%.
16 November 2006
Heart cells 'can learn to heal'
Cells in the heart's outer layer can be guided deeper inside by a specific protein in order to help repair a failing adult heart, new research has revealed.
Heart cells 'can learn to heal'
Cells in the heart's outer layer can be guided deeper inside by a specific protein in order to help repair a failing adult heart, new research has revealed.
20 April 2010
97% Unaware Of 'Muffin Top' Health Risks
Most people have no idea that rolls of fat around their waistline are putting them at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer, a poll reveals. While being overweight or obese in general poses a health hazard, concentrated fat deposits around the midriff – commonly nicknamed spare tyres or muffin tops – are particularly dangerous.
97% Unaware Of 'Muffin Top' Health Risks
Most people have no idea that rolls of fat around their waistline are putting them at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer, a poll reveals. While being overweight or obese in general poses a health hazard, concentrated fat deposits around the midriff – commonly nicknamed spare tyres or muffin tops – are particularly dangerous.
17 October 2008
Aspirin 'Doesn't Prevent Heart Attacks'
Despite GPs prescribing the drugs to many thousands of their patients by way of prevention, new research suggests that aspirin does not after all prevent heart attacks.
Aspirin 'Doesn't Prevent Heart Attacks'
Despite GPs prescribing the drugs to many thousands of their patients by way of prevention, new research suggests that aspirin does not after all prevent heart attacks.
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