City scientists contribute to medical ‘breakthrough’

DUNDEE scientists have contributed to a medical “breakthrough” that could slash the risk of heart attacks and strokes among vulnerable patients.

Working with colleagues in Leeds, they have tested an experimental compound on obese and diabetic mice that has reversed disease in their blood vessels.

The findings open up the possibility of creating a drug that could have the same effect in people living with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.

Eddie Johnston, from Diabetes UK, said: “We know that people living with diabetes are at higher risk of heart attacks or stroke, but we don’t yet know exactly why.

“The new research helps to shed light on to the connection.”

He said the research could deliver “new treatments that could help people with diabetes live longer, healthier lives”.

The Journal of Clinical Investigation published the findings of the eight-year study, involving researchers in Dundee and Leeds.

Project co-leader Professor Mike Ashford, of Dundee University, said: “Our work demonstrates that an early abnormal biological process, which is strongly linked to Alzheimer’s disease, may be responsible for vascular disease and hypertension in people with obesity and diabetes.

“These findings suggest the exciting possibility whereby existing drugs that have unfortunately shown no benefit in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease may instead be used to treat vascular disease in this group of people.”