UT Southwestern Studies Examine Heart Health, Aging, and MS Treatment Variability

A study published in Science Advances explored how social and economic disadvantages increase the risk of heart failure. Analyzing nearly 5,000 plasma proteins from 9,879 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, researchers identified several proteins associated with social disadvantages and heart failure risks. Findings were validated in nearly 50,000 participants in the UK Biobank, revealing one protein, C1QTNF1, as a potential causal factor in heart failure. This research underscores the interplay between social factors and biological pathways related to cardiovascular disease.

The research team included Amil Shah, M.D., M.P.H., Victoria Lamberson, Ph.D., and Tammy Leonard, Ph.D. They aim to enhance blood-based biomarkers for early detection and prevention of heart failure.

In a separate study, UTSW scientists found that calorie restriction significantly reduces the accumulation of DNA mutations associated with aging. Utilizing genome sequencing, the study revealed that mice on a 30% calorie-restricted diet had fewer genetic mutations, particularly in liver cells. Published in Cell, the results suggest calorie restriction positively influences genomic stability and may inform therapies that replicate its effects to promote healthier aging.

Key contributors to this research include Joseph Takahashi, Ph.D., and Carla Green, Ph.D.

Another UTSW-led study, published in Clinical Immunology, examined the effects of generic versus brand-name MS medications. The researchers found that patients on generic oral therapies showed greater variability in blood protein levels linked to MS disease activity compared to those taking branded drugs. Although the study did not assess clinical outcomes, it raises concerns about the potential implications of this variability on treatment consistency and efficacy.

Darin Okuda, M.D., and his team conducted this research with the aim to further investigate the clinical significance of these biomarker differences.

Additionally, UTSW research revealed a correlation between the loss of Purkinje cells and changes in cerebellar basket cells in neurodegenerative diseases, including essential tremor. The finding, published in The Cerebellum, analyzed postmortem brain tissue from 332 individuals and suggests that essential tremor is linked to underlying degenerative changes.

The contributors to this study included Elan Louis, M.D., M.S., and Nora Hernandez, M.D.

Finally, a national study published in JAMA Network Open associated long-term fatigue in breast cancer survivors more with depressive symptoms and perceived stress rather than chemotherapy-related cardiac changes. Researchers monitored 381 women over two years and found that addressing psychological factors could be crucial in treating persistent fatigue post-treatment.

Vlad Zaha, M.D., Ph.D., was among the researchers involved in this study.

UT Southwestern Medical Center is a leading academic institution known for its innovative biomedical research and high-quality clinical care.