Scientists at Stanford University have published a report that describes a new way to restore the heart after a heart attack - by implanting bacteria that secrete oxygen as a result of photosynthesis.

The report, published in the journal Science Advances, says that while the tests have successfully passed on laboratory rats, but scientists hope that in the future the method will be able to apply to people.

The cause of myocardial infarction is the cessation of blood supply to the heart muscle. As a result of the fact that the blood vessel is clogged, the necessary oxygen does not flow into the heart together with the flow of blood.

But if this is the critical moment, then "why not take the plant or the mechanism of photosynthesis and apply it directly to the heart?", Quotes Scientist edition of one of the authors of the study, Stanford professor Joseph Wu.

Scientists have suggested that if one single-celled cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus capable of photosynthesizing is implanted into the heart, it will help remove carbon dioxide and provide the heart muscle cells with oxygen and glucose, which are necessary for metabolism in the absence of blood supply.

The method was decided to test on a living body. The rats were imitated with a heart attack, they introduced cyanobacteria into their heart muscles, and then they sent rays of light. After 10 minutes, the oxygen level in the hearts of rodents was significantly higher than in the control group and in those rats who had cyanobacteria in the heart but did not light it. After 45 minutes, the first group also improved ventricular contractility.

This method has proved to be non-toxic and has shown that it does not cause a reaction in the body's immune system. In addition to its main purpose, the introduction of Synechococcus elongatus can help maintain organs preserved for transplantation.

However, scientists are urged not to rush to conclusions - it is not yet known how the bacterium will be perceived by the human heart.

The big disadvantage of this method of treatment is an open heart surgery, that is, chest opening, which is accompanied by greater risks.

Scientists are working to make the new method safer, namely, trying to figure out how to inject cyanobacteria not directly into the heart but through the veins, and how to "draw" to the heart rays of light through the skin and bones to avoid dissection of the thorax , Told Wu edition of The Verge.

Note, the use of sugar in large quantities increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Author: 1.