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Health News
Study targets histone proteins
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct 26, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A team of U.S. scientists says
it has discovered an antibody that could counter proteins called histones, which
often cause uncontrolled internal bleeding.
The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientists said their finding could
help save lives threatened by traumatic injuries and also holds potential for
treating severe infectious diseases and diabetes.
Led by researcher Charles Esmon, the scientists said their study has cast new
light on how histones enter the bloodstream and begin to kill the lining of
blood vessels. Building on that discovery, Esmon and his colleagues identified
an antibody that could counter that process.
"This discovery could open the door to new ways to treat soldiers hurt in IED
(improved explosive device) attacks, gunshot wound victims and people who suffer
a traumatic injury," said Esmon.
Working Dr. Marc Monestier of Temple University, the group discovered antibodies
that can block the histones' ability to kill.
"When a patient is suffering from severe bleeds, these antibodies could prevent
multi-organ failure," Esmon said.
The researchers have already tested the antibodies in pre-clinical trials, in
which they showed promising results and no adverse effects. A potential future
step, Esmon said, would be human trials.
The study that included Florea Lupu and Jun Xu appears in the early online
edition of the journal Nature Medicine.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright: Copyright 2009 by United Press International
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