A recent study has shed light on an unexpected benefit of an anti-cancer drug: it could have heart-protective properties.

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found that a novel class of drugs called histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) not only kill cancer cells but also help to prevent heart failure.

The Study

The researchers carried out their study using mice, as they have a similar cardiovascular system to humans. The team injected the mice with a drug called suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA), which is an HDACi.

They then anaesthetised the mice and removed their hearts to examine them.

The team found that the mice that had been given the drug had less fibrosis in their hearts. Fibrosis involves the build-up of scar tissue and can cause the heart to become stiff and less effective at pumping blood.

The mice that had been given the drug also had fewer signs of inflammation, which can damage the heart.

What are HDAC Inhibitors?

HDACs are enzymes that can affect the expression of genes by modifying proteins called histones. HDAC inhibitors block the actions of these enzymes and have been found to have anti-cancer properties.

Several HDACi drugs are currently used to treat various types of cancer, including lymphoma and leukaemia.

However, this study suggests that HDACi drugs could also have benefits for heart health.

The researchers believe that HDACi drugs could be used to treat patients with heart failure, which is a condition where the heart struggles to pump enough blood around the body. It is estimated that around 920,000 people in the UK have heart failure.

Heart Failure

Heart failure can be caused by a range of conditions, including coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. It can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs and ankles.

There is currently no cure for heart failure, and treatment involves managing the symptoms and, where possible, addressing the underlying cause.

One of the main ways that HDACi drugs could help to treat heart failure is by reducing fibrosis in the heart. This would make the heart more efficient at pumping blood and could improve the symptoms of heart failure.

The drugs could also help to reduce inflammation in the heart, which contributes to the damage that leads to heart failure.

Further Research

The researchers plan to carry out further studies to investigate the potential of HDACi drugs for treating heart failure. They also want to explore whether other types of HDACi drugs have heart-protective properties.

Professor Del Rizzo, one of the researchers involved in the study, said: “This study provides the first evidence that HDACi could be used to treat heart failure.

We’re excited to continue this research and hopefully develop new treatments for patients with this debilitating condition.”.

Conclusion

HDACi drugs have already proven to be effective in treating various types of cancer, but this study suggests that they could also have benefits for heart health.

The findings have the potential to lead to the development of new treatments for heart failure, which could significantly improve the lives of patients with this condition.