Something to add to our non-existent stroke strategy. Our stroke association presidents should be fired for such incompetency.
http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=157503&CultureCode=en
New research indicates that low levels of a growth factor called stem
cell factor (SCF)—which is thought to be important for blood vessel
repair—are linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
In
a study of 384 patients with a first coronary event and 409 event-free
individuals, SCF measurements had a predictive value that was in the
same range as that of established cardiovascular risk factors such as
LDL and HDL cholesterol. Moreover, smokers and diabetics had reduced
levels of SCF in the circulation, and low blood levels of the growth
factor were associated with more severe disease among patients with
atherosclerosis.
“The existence of stem cells with the ability to
turn into mature vascular cells has been known for several years but
their role and importance has not been clear. Our study provides
evidence that these cells have an important role in the protection
against vascular degenerative diseases predisposing to myocardial
infarction and stroke,” said Dr. Maria Wigren, lead author of the
Journal of Internal Medicine article. “We also show that smoking and
diabetes can have a negative effect on the reparative capacity of these
cells. We hope our findings may open opportunities for the development
of novel therapies stimulating the activity of these repair processes.”
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