In the midst of enjoying my snow filled
Thanksgiving break, I stumbled upon an article describing how chemists in
Germany have developed a chemical receptor that binds to a messenger common in nervous
and cardiovascular physiological processes (RUDN University,
2019). Specifically,
the chemical receptor was found to bind to cyclic guanosine monophosphate
(cGMP) in aqueous solutions similar to what would be found under physiologic
conditions (Oshchepkov et
al., 2019). Even though the
chemistry involved slightly dampened my excitement, reading about new
treatments for cardiac ailments that may come from the discovery was intriguing
(RUDN University,
2019).
One mechanism for cardiac and vascular
smooth muscle function comes from a cellular communication pathway with nitric
oxide inducing cGMP as a secondary messenger (Castro, Verde,
Cooper, & Fischmeister, 2006). Studies have indicated that high
levels of cGMP over time not only help prevent the formation of cardiac
hypertrophy (increased muscle mass), but actually help reduce excess cardiac
muscle mass (Castro et al.,
2006). The implications
of a specific chemical receptor that binds cGMP could include new treatments
for cardiac hypertrophy and reductions in heart failure (RUDN University,
2019). Using the new
chemical receptor also provides additional routes in the control of cardiac
issues, expanding the resources available to physicians prescribing
medications.
Aside from the scientific importance of a new
chemical receptor that can be used to help treat cardiac failure and
hypertrophy, new discoveries like these show the ethical importance of
continued biomedical research. Continued research into treatments for common
health problems works to promote biomedical justice in that people who were not
eligible to receive the current treatment options now have new possibilities for
treatment. Additionally, those who were able to receive the treatments already
available now have additional methods to help manage their disease. With additional
treatment options, physicians themselves are able to make more autonomous
decisions because previously imposed knowledge barriers are removed. Identification
of a chemical receptor that binds to cGMP creates new opportunities for
patients as well as medical professionals to advance the treatment options for
many individuals in society.
Castro, L., Verde,
I., Cooper, D., & Fischmeister, R. (2006). Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Compartmentation in Rat Cardiac Myocytes. American Heart Association
Journals. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.599241
Oshchepkov, A. S., Shumilova, T.
A., Zerson, M., Magerle, R., Khrustalev, V. N., & Kataev, E. A. (2019).
Conformational Selection in Anion Recognition: CGMP-Selective Binding by a
Naphthalimide-Functionalized Amido-Amine Macrocycle. The Journal of Organic Chemistry,
84(14), 9034–9043. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.joc.9b00947
RUDN University. (2019, November
28). Chemists create molecule that can help treat heart disease and detect
viruses. Retrieved November 30, 2019, from https://phys.org/news/2019-11-chemists-molecule-heart-disease-viruses.html
Austin,
ReplyDeleteI found your summary of the "Cyclic guanosine monophosphate compartmentation in rat cardiac myocytes" paper to be quite interesting, especially regarding the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). I want to briefly underline the point you make concerning the possibility of expanding treatment options (by developing new drugs) to treat cardiovascular and nervious system illnesses. I would further like to stress the importance of scientific research funding as well as the selling of affordable medications. The ability for patients to have affordable access to essential prescription medication is both at health and financial benefit for patient as well as the physician. In other words, physicians and patients would not have to settle for a second or third best drug due to cost burdens.
With regard to cGMP, I noticed the paper discussed the contraindication that sildenafil (a common erectile dysfunction medication) has in conjunction with nitrate containing drugs. It is briefly described that sildenafil combined with nitrates medication increase the level of cGMP levels which in terms decreases blood pressure to unknown levels. This stood out to me because statistical data from 2018 shows annual reports of 617,715 cases of erectile dysfunction (ED) (Lakin, 2018). Furthermore, demographics indicate ED prevalence at 40% of men at age 40 and about 70% at age 70 (Lakin, 2018). This indicates that age is highly associated with ED (Lakin, 2018). The point I am trying to make is that 617,715 annual cases is a lot and hence the importance for adequate research funding is very important, especially with potential agents that have contraindications (to otherwise what might be life saving drugs).
My second and final thought was in regard to the animal versus human model. The results of this study were derided from a rats which made me wonder if there might be any difference if the study is successful enough if/when it shifts to primates and indeed humans.
Reference:
Lakin, M. (2018). Erectile Dysfunction. Retrieved from http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/endocrinology/erectile-dysfunction/#bib3.