Targeting PAD4 Reduces Age-Related Fibrosis

Fibrosis is the inappropriate formation of scar-like tissue, and it is an important component in the pathology of a range of age-related diseases. Fibrosis causes loss of function where it disrupts the normal tissue structure of organs, and at present there is little in the medical toolkit that can be used to help. Better known examples of conditions in which fibrosis is significant include the progression of chronic kidney disease and damage to aged heart tissue. Here researchers note the possibility for an intervention that slows down the progression of fibrosis in mice, and may form the basis for a human therapy:

The wear and tear of life takes a cumulative toll on our bodies. Our organs gradually stiffen through fibrosis, which is a process that deposits tough collagen in our body tissue. Fibrosis happens little by little, each time we experience illness or injury. Eventually, this causes our health to decline. Ironically, fibrosis can stem from our own immune system's attempt to defend us during injury, stress-related illness, environmental factors and even common infections. But a team of scientists thinks preventative therapies could be on the horizon. "We've documented in mice how deletion of a single gene, PAD4, has a drastic effect on curbing the complex process of fibrosis." Looking to the future, they envision that the development of a once-daily pill, capable of inhibiting PAD4, could one day be used as a preventative measure.

The PAD4 gene contro...

Source: Fight Aging! - January 31, 2017 Category: Research Authors: Reason Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs