Authors: Sally H. Vitali, S. Alex Mitsialis, Olin D. Liang, Xiaoli Liu, Angeles Fernandez-Gonzalez, Helen Christou, Xinqi Wu, Francis X. McGowan, Stella Kourembanas
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005978
Abstract Summary
New research reveals that two products of the HO-1 enzyme offer distinct heart protection during chronic oxygen deprivation. Carbon monoxide prevents lung blood vessel damage and reduces pressure, while bilirubin directly protects heart muscle cells from injury and prevents right heart failure.
Why Brain? ðŸ§
HO-1 enzyme products CO and bilirubin protect heart and lungs differently during chronic hypoxia. CO prevents pulmonary vessel remodeling while bilirubin prevents heart failure, suggesting dual therapy needed.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
