New research has revealed that the body’s immune response and the lymphatic system (part of the immune system) are essential in the way the heart repairs itself after a heart attack that causes damage to the heart muscle. According to the Journal of Clinical Investigation,
The new study is based on discovering the role of macrophages (specialized cells that can destroy bacteria or initiate beneficial inflammatory responses).
The researchers report that these macrophages produce a specific type of protein called VEGFC.
eat damaged tissue
Pathologist Edward Thorpe of Northwestern University in Illinois confirmed, “We found that macrophages or immune cells that rush into the heart after a heart attack eat damaged or dead tissue and also stimulate vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), which stimulates the formation of new lymphatic vessels and promotes the formation of new lymphatic vessels. healing.
Meanwhile, the researchers describe the Jekyll and Hyde scenario as “good” macrophages that produce VEGFC and “bad” macrophages that do not produce any VEGFC but cause a pro-inflammatory response that can cause further damage to the heart and surrounding tissues.
dying cells
In order for the heart to fully repair itself, the dying cells must be removed (a process known as macrophage proliferation in which macrophages play an important role). And study this process in cells in the laboratory and mice. The team has identified the right type of VEGFC-producing macrophage that does the right repair work.