Scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) state that the process of blocking histones with an antibody prevents their destructive effects.
Lead researcher Charles Esmon stated, "This discovery could open the door to new ways to treat soldiers hurt in IED attacks, gunshot wound victims and people who suffer a traumatic injury. When we realized that histones were so toxic, we immediately went to work looking for a way to stop their destructive tendencies."
The toxicity of histones
The main function of the histone proteins is to keep the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) coiled and compressed inside the nucleus. However, when the cell is damaged due to injuries sustained in car crashes or battle field, the histone enters the blood stream and starts destroying the blood vessel linings.
This, in turn, causes profuse bleeding and fluid accumulation in the body tissues, which can be fatal. The antibody discovered by the researchers has the ability to counter the lethal process of proteins by controlling internal bleeding.
"When a patient is suffering from severe bleeds, these antibodies could prevent multi-organ failure," said Charles Esmon.
Researchers optimistic about the discovery
The researchers are optimistic that the antibodies will lead to the development of new treatments for those suffering from life threatening injuries, severe infectious diseases and diabetes.
The pre-clinical trials of the antibodies showed no adverse effects and were promising in preventing the proteins from destroying the blood vessels. The researchers are now poised to test its effectiveness on humans.
"The implications for this discovery are staggering," said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D. "Dr. Esmon and colleagues have not only found a new key player in cardiovascular injuries and disease, but they've taken this work and transformed it into a potential therapy for severe trauma, diabetes, pneumonia and any other condition that results in tissue death."
He further added, "These findings offer some clues as to why people suffering from one traumatic injury often experience a catastrophic 'cascade' of secondary traumatic events.
"If we can figure out how to control the initial injury, perhaps, that will stop the domino effect that so often follows."
The study is published in Nature Medicine.
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