Gene prevents atherosclerosis with lupus

Winston-Salem, N.C. -- Studying mice prone to lupus, U.S. researchers have found among the enzymes that regulate gene expression a specific one within the artery walls.

Dr. Nilamadham Mishra of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, in Winston-Salem, N.C., said the finding may help develop medication to prevent premature atherosclerosis -- one of the leading causes of death and disability in lupus patients.

Even when lupus patients take drugs to lower their cholesterol, they still develop fatty buildups in their vessels, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.

"With the drug that inhibits the gene HDAC9, we were able to decrease inflammation and remove cholesterol at the same time," Mishra said in a statement. "This study suggests that specifically targeting HDAC9 without inhibiting other histone deacetylases will be helpful for atherosclerosis."

In mice genetically engineered to have no HDAC9, the researchers found both the production of chemicals promoting inflammation and the levels of cholesterol deposits reduced compared to mice macrophages with normal levels of HDAC9.

The findings are scheduled to be presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology in Boston

© 2007 United Press International.