Researchers from Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic, in collaboration with researchers from Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan, have identified a potential path to improving donor heart preservation, according to a study published May 19 in Nature Cardiovascular Research.
Here are four notes on the study:
- The team found that mineralocorticoid receptor proteins within heart cells “clump together” during cold storage in a process called liquid-liquid phase separation,” according to a May 19 news release from the health system.
“This process promotes cardiac damage from increased inflammation and cell death, making the heart less likely to function well after transplant,” the release said. - When treated with the drug canrenone, donor hearts were able to nearly triple their pumping strength while being exposed to cold storage beyond the typical time frame compared to hearts that were not treated with canrenone, according to the release.
The treated hearts also showed better blood flow and lower levels of cell injury. - Fewer than half of all donor hearts are used due to cold storage overexposure concerns, the release said.
“The findings suggest canrenone may help extend the safe storage period for donor hearts [and] increase chances of a successful transplant,” the release said. - As similar protein activity was seen in kidneys, lungs and livers exposed to cold storage, the study authors said canrenone may help improve preservation for multiple organ systems.
Read the full study here.
