Heart disease could soon be limited if the drug being tested stops eggs and meat having the choline turned into artery blocking compounds. Last year tests on mice showed that there will be less artery damage and less of the compound produced.
Working on bacteria in the gut seems to be showing signs of being effective according to Martin Blaser, New York University microbiologist. He feels that is will give doctors more options when it comes to the treatment they can give. He points out that atherosclerosis is a common disease, and this is one that is going to be helped. Dealing with this will lead to fewer patients suffering either strokes or heart attacks.READ ALSO: A New Bioprinting Technique for Tissue or Bone Replacement
The latest report shows that a compound like choline will help stop TMA production there will be a suppression of the microbes making TMA from choline. Called DMB, the drug was passed to mice through drinking water, and they produced less of the chemicals. The ones who were not given it did have a build-up and risked having clogged arteries. There were no side effects and passed through the bodies of the mice quickly. It is found in red wine and olive oil and Cleveland Clinic scientist Hazen believes it is not likely to become resistant to drugs.
GUT CHECK Mice predisposed to heart disease and fed a diet high in choline — a compound found in meat and eggs — had plaque buildup in their arteries (left: plaques, red; artery, blue). Mice were also given a drug to prevent their gut microbes from breaking down the choline had much less artery clogging (right).
It is possible that it could become resistant as bacteria can evolve, and the study showed some bacteria increased while others decreased. It seems some are targeted over others, and further research is needed, and tests need to take place on humans.
Note; The compound also can be found in “olive oil and red wine “, for more info please check; French Paradox.
