Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Elaine Chen
Published on 2024-02-12 19:00:57
Studies have shown that South Asians are at a higher risk of developing heart disease than white people, with a tendency to experience complications at a younger age. However, the reason for this disparity has not been fully understood. A recent study suggests that this could be due to the decreased ability of people of South Asian descent to repair blood vessels that may be injured from cardiovascular problems.
In a small trial comparing individuals of South Asian and white European descent, researchers found that South Asian people had lower levels of certain stem cells that are critical in regenerating blood vessels. This study comes amidst increasing awareness of the heightened cardiovascular risk that South Asians face. Research has revealed that South Asians are at twice the risk of heart disease compared to people of European descent. The increased risk can be partly attributed to the higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, which is often a precursor to heart disease. However, even among South Asians with diabetes, the risk of developing heart disease remains higher when compared to white people with diabetes.
The co-author of the study, Subodh Verma, emphasized the importance of understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the increased risk of heart disease in the South Asian population. He noted that younger South Asians are developing cardiovascular disease with accelerated rates and higher complication levels. If the findings of the study hold true in further research, they could provide a biological explanation for the increased risk among South Asians and guide decisions on tailoring treatments specifically for this population.
The researchers behind the study previously found that Jardiance, a type of diabetes drug known as an SGLT2 inhibitor, increased levels of stem cells that assist with vessel regeneration in people with and without diabetes. They will be commencing a study to evaluate the effectiveness of this drug specifically in South Asians. Moreover, they are conducting a trial to see if semaglutide, an ingredient in popular diabetes and obesity drugs, can help increase stem cell levels, given its recent success in reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications among people with obesity and heart disease.
The trial enrolled 60 South Asian and 60 white European participants and found that South Asians had lower levels of two types of stem cells that are important for repairing blood vessels. The study also suggested that impaired kidney function may play a role in the reduced stem cell levels among South Asians. However, further research is needed to conclusively prove that lower stem cell levels cause less healing of blood vessels and increased risk of heart complications.
Krishnan Ramanathan, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia, noted the need for more extensive research to confirm the findings, especially in non-diabetic individuals. Despite the small sample size, he acknowledged the study’s unique approach in trying to understand the increased risk faced by South Asians.
This study opens the door to new possibilities for understanding and addressing the heightened risk of heart disease among South Asians. It offers a fresh perspective into the potential biological factors contributing to their elevated cardiovascular risk and how tailored treatments could improve outcomes for this population. Further investigations and clinical trials could shed more light on these findings, potentially leading to significant advancements in preventive and therapeutic approaches for South Asians at risk of heart disease.
