Pgk1 Activation Restores Endothelial Metabolic Homeostasis To Alleviate Vascular Aging And Atherosclerosis
Our blood vessels are lined with special cells called endothelial cells, which play a crucial role in keeping our circulatory system healthy. However, as we age or develop conditions like diabetes, these cells can become dysfunctional, leading to problems like “vascular aging” and atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in our arteries. This dysfunction often involves an imbalance in how these cells process energy, leading to harmful oxidative stress.
Recent research has shed light on a promising pathway to combat these issues. Scientists have found that activating a specific protein, Pgk1, can help restore the normal energy balance within these endothelial cells. This activation, observed with a compound called Terazosin, works by influencing a chain of events involving other proteins (Hsp90 and Prdx1). Essentially, it helps reduce the levels of harmful reactive oxygen species, which are unstable molecules that contribute to cell damage and aging.
By restoring this metabolic harmony, the activation of Pgk1 has been shown to significantly reduce the buildup of plaque in arteries, decrease the aging of endothelial cells, and improve the overall health of blood vessels. This discovery suggests that targeting Pgk1 could be a powerful new strategy not only for treating vascular aging and atherosclerosis but potentially for other related conditions like diabetes, offering a new avenue for maintaining cardiovascular health.
Source: link to paper