Despite managing cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes, many still suffer heart attacks— a new culprit might explain why.
Researchers at the University of Michigan, as reported by Knowridge, have identified an immune system protein called suPAR as a direct cause of atherosclerosis.
This protein, produced in the bone marrow, regulates inflammation and is now linked to the buildup of plaque in arteries, the primary trigger of heart attacks.
For years, high suPAR levels were associated with heart problems, but this study confirms it may actually cause atherosclerosis.
Using data from over 5,000 people, the team found those with higher suPAR levels developed more plaque, even with normal cholesterol and blood pressure.
The researchers then analyzed genetic data from 24,000 individuals and identified a specific variant in the PLAUR gene that raises suPAR levels and heart disease risk.
To prove causation, they applied Mendelian randomization using UK Biobank data from 500,000 people, linking the gene variant to artery damage.
Mouse studies backed this up: animals given suPAR developed severe arterial plaque compared to those without it.
Lead author Dr. Salim Hayek said, “This opens a new door for treatment we haven’t had before.”
Current treatments don’t affect suPAR, meaning this could lead to a new class of heart disease drugs.
It may also explain the overlap between kidney and heart disease, both connected to suPAR, affecting millions.
This discovery could reshape how doctors treat two of the most common chronic illnesses worldwide.
Article updated 3 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
