Researchers at the University of Alberta in Edmonton have made a discovery that could revolutionize the way in which many health conditions are treated.
The team, which is made up of cardiologists, chemists and kidney experts, has worked together to discover a drug which can be used to treat illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, and high blood pressure.
The drug is a synthesized form of the chemical apelin, which is a small chain of amino acids. Their function is to provide protection for the internal organs.
Studies have found that patients suffering from certain health concerns showed a marked reduction in the levels of these chemicals. Replacing the chemical helps, but when the natural form is used, the effect is very short-lived. The synthetic version, however, is thought to last much longer.
The University of Alberta researchers published a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association that shows just how effective the drug can be. They do not know why the synthetic form works so much more effectively, but they are able to confirm its level of impact. In the tests, the patients’ hearts beat strongly, slowly and with better regularity, and the blood vessels are more relaxed.
Research into the medication continues to be carried out, and a provisional patent has been obtained for the current formulation. If the new drug gets the green light from the appropriate bodies, printing companies will no doubt be called upon to provide informational literature for patients.
