Molecules could target cardio-metabolic diseases

The CalTIC team has developed a promising new approach to developing drugs to treat cardio-metabolic diseases Research over the past two decades has culminated in a -new and promising- approach to developing drugs to treat cardio-metabolic diseases. Diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease are examples of cardio-metabolic diseases, which are on the rise around the world. For more than 20 years, scientists in Leeds and Germany have been trying to understand the role that calcium ions - chemical messengers between cells - could play in triggering ill-health. Calcium ions pass into cells via what are known as TRPC channels. The channels are active during embryonic development but may "switch off" in adulthood unless there is an injury to the body that needs repair. During some diseases, such as high blood pressure or an enlarged heart, the TRPC channels are active, allowing calcium ions to enter the cells. Scientists believe this influx of calcium ions may be a factor in the patient becoming ill.