Vitamin E could help reduce the severity of heart failure in patients suffering from Friedreich’s Ataxia cardiomyopathy, a rare neurological condition, according to a new UCL-led study.
Researchers at the Ataxia Centre at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology found Vitamin E – commonly known for processing fat and proteins in the body – may slow the progression of the deadly disease which currently has no treatment or cure.
Friedreich’s Ataxia cardiomyopathy is an inherited neurodegenerative condition affecting the brain and heart and can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations and fainting. Heart failure accounts for 85% of deaths and the majority of patients are wheelchair users in their twenties.
In the first study of its kind, researchers tested the ability of vitamin E to restore calcium balance in cardiac cells by ‘detoxifying’ cells. Previous research suggested that a calcium imbalance in these cells contributed to the disease and was the most common cause of death in patients.
Professor Paola Giunti, head of the Ataxia Centre, said: “Our research found that restoring the calcium balance in cardiac cells aided the normal function of the heart, meaning it may reduce the risk of death from heart failure.”
The study, which was carried out in cell models of Freidrich’s Ataxia, also found that changes in cells caused by Friedrich’s Ataxia were similar to changes found in conventional heart failure. “Our approach to treating Friedreich’s Ataxia might also benefit patients who have heart failure for other reasons – for example due to cardiovascular disease,” Professor Giunti said.
Dr Rosella Abeti, first author of the study, said the research highlighted the importance of conducting studies into rare conditions, as the results could turn out to benefit patients affected by more common conditions.
Head of the Department Clinical Movement Neuroscience Professor Tony Schapira said the study results from this cell-based trial form the evidence base to consider a new trial in human participants.
The research project was partly funded by Ataxia UK, FARA, GOfar and is published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience.
Read more about the BRC’s research into neurological diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
