British researchers identify enzyme that is key to clogged arteries

Have you ever wondered why some people's arteries clog up and what really causes the process? British researchers think they have made an important discovery about the cause, according to a Queen Mary,University of London press release. They have identified an enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP8)that they believe plays an important role in raising blood pressure and causing abnormal build-up of cells in the arteries. Of course, both factors increase the risk of heart disease. In addition to animal studies, the researchers also performed coronary angiograms to study 2,000 patients who were being tested for clogs in arteries leading to their hearts. They report that around 25 percent of these patients had a slightly different version of the gene for MMP8 and their arteries were more clogged than other patients. The research team form Queen Mary Hospital, University of London, hope their discovery will lead to new drugs to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease.