In order to find a cure for heart disease and stroke, Frontier Lifeline Hospital has entered into a scientific research collaboration with the Institute of Atherosclerosis Research, Moscow, Russia. A team of expert scientists from Frontier Lifeline (Dr KM Cherian Heart Foundation) will collaborate with some of the best minds in the field of genetics and molecular biology from Russia to identify the genes responsible for atherosclerosis that lead to strokes and heart attacks.
This collaboration aims at understanding why people both in India and Russia are prone to heart attacks and stroke. As the factors and instances of heart ailments are similar in both populations, researchers are now looking at learning from each other. Researchers from Russia will support scientists from Frontier Lifeline in genetic research and share data from their Russian study. Both teams will study the onset of atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries) in patients, explore the reason for the accumulation of cholesterol in arteries, and aim at isolating the genes responsible for it. Through gene manipulation, both teams will explore the possibilities of discovering an effective method of reducing the incidence of strokes and heart attacks.
“Heart disease is the most common cause of death worldwide. This collaboration between Russia and India will open up new avenues at treating heart disease by understanding its genetic aspects. Given the current lifestyle that most people lead, the incidence of heart attacks is increasing. It is now imperative that we find a viable solution to this growing problem.” said Dr Sanjay Cherian, VP – Frontier Lifeline Hospital.
This mutual research project will see expert scientists Igor A Sobenin – Leading Researcher at the Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Academy of Medical Science, Russia; Ekaterina V Chernova – Project Director for Clinical Research Associate, Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, Moscow and Varvara A Orekhova – General Director of Natur – Medica, Russia, traveling to the India to facilitate the collection of research data and inspect the research facilities and infrastructure available at Frontier Lifeline.
Commenting on the research, Dr KM Cherian, CEO and Chairman of Frontier Lifeline Hospital said, “Through this research we are attempting to discover a permanent solution for heart attacks and strokes. By isolating the core gene responsible for fat accumulation in arteries and manipulating them, we will significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Through our collaboration with Russian researchers, we can leverage and gain immense insights into strokes and genetics while helping each other reach an effective cure. We look forward to a fruitful partnership between India and Russia.”
EH News Bureau