Hibernating bears could maintain the key to stopping blood clots, due to their potential to keep up low ranges of a key protein of their blood. Researchers from Ludwig Maximilian College of Munich and different establishments have revealed a research in Science that investigates this phenomenon, hoping that their findings might be utilized to future human medicines.
The research examined blood samples from 13 wild brown bears throughout their hibernation and in contrast them to samples taken in the summertime when the bears have been extra energetic.
The researchers centered on platelets, the blood elements liable for clotting. They discovered that hibernating bears’ platelets have been much less prone to clump collectively, and once they did clot, they did so extra slowly.
The important thing distinction between the bears’ winter and summer season blood samples was the degrees of a protein known as warmth shock protein 47 (HSP47) present in platelets.
Hibernating bears had roughly one-fiftieth of the quantity of HSP47 present in energetic bears. HSP47 attaches to collagen, a protein that helps platelets stick collectively and kind a clot.
Along with bears, the researchers discovered that pigs who had just lately given beginning and folks with spinal twine accidents additionally had decrease HSP47 ranges.
These findings recommend that HSP47 could also be a possible goal for medicines to forestall blood clots, also called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
DVT might be harmful, as it could result in life-threatening issues like pulmonary embolism, which happens when part of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, blocking blood circulate.
Whereas extra analysis is required to higher perceive how the human physique particularly regulates HSP47, this research presents a promising start line for growing modern remedies.
As we proceed to be taught from nature’s unbelievable diversifications, let’s additionally take a second to understand the interconnectedness of our world and the significance of defending our planet and its various inhabitants.
This article by Josie Fu was first revealed by OneGreenPLanet on 22 Could 2023.
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