Gene Therapy Shows Potential Against Heart Failure

In the heart, one protein that is induced by T3 is SERCA2a

TUESDAY, Nov. 16 (HealthDay News) -- By substituting a healthy gene for a defective one, scientists were able to partially restore the heart's ability to pump in 39 heart failure patients, researchers report.
"This is the first time gene therapy has been tested and shown to improve outcomes for patients with advanced heart failure," study lead author Dr. Donna Mancini, professor of medicine and the Sudhir Choudhrie professor of cardiology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, said in a university news release.

"The therapy works by replenishing levels of an enzyme necessary for the heart to pump more efficiently by introducing the gene for SERCA2a, which is depressed in these patients. If these results are confirmed in future trials, this approach could be an alternative to heart transplant for patients without any other options," she added.
Mancini presented the results Monday at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association (AHA) in Chicago.
The gene for SERCA2a raises levels of the enzyme back to where the heart can pump more efficiently. The enzyme regulates calcium cycling, which, in turn, is involved in how well the heart contracts, the researchers said.