New antibody to save severely-injured patients

Tue Oct 27, 2009

An antibody that can minimize the major internal bleeding frequently reported following traumas has been recently discovered, a new study says.

According to the study published in Nature Medicine, a protein known as histone is responsible for the major internal bleeding seen after traumas such as battlefield injuries, bullet wounds and car crashes.

The newly-discovered monoclonal antibody can block the action of histones and therefore be used to treat diseases and serious injuries.

"When a patient is suffering from severe bleeds, these antibodies could prevent multi-organ failure," said lead researcher Charles Esmon.

Under normal circumstances, the histone protein is normally located in the nucleus, aiming to keep DNA tightly coiled and packed and subsequently form the characteristic double helix.

When the cell is damaged through injury, infection or disease, the histone is released into the blood system, leading to uncontrolled bleeding by killing the lining of blood vessels.

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) team is optimistic that its findings will help develop new treatments to save those suffering from life threatening injuries, severe infectious diseases and diabetes.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://edition.presstv.ir/detail/109749.html.