Invention Summary:
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of heart failure. About 5.7 million adults in the United States have heart failure, and approximately half million new cases are diagnosed annually. Patients with DCM can lead to arrhythmias, and about half of people who develop heart failure die within 5 years of diagnosis. Current treatments for DCM are focused on symptom relief. There is a need for new drug to improve the heart condition and to treat arrhythmias and myocardial fibrosis of DCM patients.
This invention provides a method to promote angiogenesis (formation of vasculature that provides oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissue, and thus facilitates healing/recovery) in patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy by administrating an effective amount of IGFBP3. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3, also known as IGFBP-3, is the most abundant IGFBP species in circulation and the main carrier of Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). IGFBP-3 level increases during early childhood and puberty and then decreases slightly in adult life. Hepatic failure and diabetes mellitus can also decrease IGFBP-3 level.
Rutgers scientists found that IGFBP3 can promote expression of pro-angiogenic factors and decrease expression of anti-angiogenic factors and fibrotic factors. Specifically, a mouse model of human dilated cardiomyopathy (Id cKO mice) was generated to test the effect of IGFBP3. These mice exhibited fibrotic cardiomyopathy with compromised vasculature, cardiac enlargement and decreased cardiac function. It was found that incubating heart explants of Id cKO mice with IGFBP3, up-regulation of the expression of pro-angiogenic Angptl (Angiopoietin-1) and downregulation of the expression of anti-angiogenic Thbs4 (Thrombospondin-4) and Thbsl (Thrombospondin-1) were apparent. It also has a direct effect on downregulation of the expression of key components of fibrotic tissue (collagen type I and XV), thus potentially eliminating risk of scar tissue formation.
Market Applications:
- A new method to treat dilated cardiomyopathy
- A new method to treat arrhythmias and myocardial fibrosis of DCM patients
- A drug candidate for the recovery of heart failure and arrhythmias
Intellectual Property & Development Status:
Issued patent. Available for licensing or collaboration.
