Researchers pave the way for new treatment for heart failure

Scientists at the University of Glasgow, working with international colleagues, have discovered a new method of potentially reversing the effects of congestive heart failure. The team from the Institute of Neurosciences & Psychology led by George Baillie, have identified an enzyme that could be targeted with drugs to treat the condition. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition where the heart does not pump sufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients around the body, resulting in symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, exercise intolerance and a build-up of fluid in the body. It is one of the world's leading health problems and is linked to smoking and obesity, amongst other things. The team from Glasgow, working as part of an international collaboration headed by Professor Emilio Hirsch at the University of Torino, used the latest technology to discover a way of controlling the enzyme PI-3 kinase, which plays a major role in CHF. Baillie said: 'When we exercise, the increase in oxygen required by our muscles is facilitated by increased blood blow that results from an increased heart rate. 'Heart rate is controlled by the stress hormone adrenaline which binds to receptors on the surface of the heart cells, making the heart beat faster and stronger.