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The action of a protein that can prevent blood clots in humans, pigs and bears has been identified. Utilizing this protein can prevent the formation of blood clots in patients who cannot move for a long time due to diseases. It is also expected to find clues regarding how to avoid blood clots, which have been mentioned as side effects of some vaccines once morest the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19, Corona 19). A blood clot is a hardened mass of blood in a blood vessel that can lead to diseases such as cardiac arrhythmia or stroke if severe.
An international joint research team led by Professor Manuela Tiele of Maximilian University in Germany confirmed that blood clots form when a specific protein common to three types of mammals is reduced. The research results were published in the international journal ‘Science’ on the 13th (local time).
Blood clots occur for a variety of reasons. Cancer, pregnancy, taking birth control pills, hospitalization or long-term immobility due to long flights are all risk factors for developing blood clots. There are also people who are genetically predisposed to blood clots.
The research team paid attention to why blood clots do not occur in bears that hibernate for months without moving. In 13 wild bears, changes in blood composition were observed during the summer when the bears were active and during the winter when they slept.
As a result of the analysis, it was found that the bears’ protein called ‘Hsp47’ rapidly decreased during hibernation. Compared to summer, the active period, it has decreased by up to 1/55. Although there was a difference in degree, Hsp47 protein was also decreased in pigs that were confined to the barn for a long time and were immobile for a long time.
The Hsp47 protein is released from sticky blood cells that cause blood to clot. It is a protein that plays a key role in platelets, which perform hemostasis when the body is injured. The research team explained, “It is presumed that there is a physiological system involved in maintaining an appropriate level of Hsp47, but it has not been clearly identified.”
The research team expects that by using the Hsp47 protein, it will be possible to develop drugs that help patients with impaired mobility or those who are genetically vulnerable to blood clots. The research team said, “This study revealed that the Hsp47 protein plays an important role in blood clots.” will,” he added.