Neuartige Medikamente | 18. Juli 2026
Innovative Medications: Protecting Diabetics from Heart Attacks
Recent research from Zurich has unveiled a groundbreaking approach to combat the heart attack risk among individuals with diabetes and obesity. Scientists have developed epigenetic drugs aimed at reprogramming harmful fat around blood vessels, creating a substantial shift in how we approach cardiovascular risk management.
The risk of heart attacks is two to four times higher in people with diabetes.Photo: Keystone
Understanding the Risk
Diabetes significantly increases the likelihood of cardiovascular complications. According to recent studies, individuals suffering from diabetes face a 2-4 fold increased risk of heart attacks compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to mitigate such risks.
The University of Zurich (UZH) has revealed how their new medications target chemical switches within the fat layer surrounding arteries and veins. Rather than merely addressing symptoms like high blood pressure and cholesterol after damage has occurred, these epigenetic therapies aim to modify the very tissues that trigger cardiovascular issues, as stated by the research lead, Francesco Paneni.
The Role of Adipose Tissue
Adipose tissue, the fat that envelops blood vessels, is pivotal for vascular health. It communicates with the vessel walls by exchanging biochemical signals. However, in individuals with obesity and Type 2 diabetes, this communication is disrupted. The fat tissue becomes inflammatory, releasing molecules that stiffen the blood vessels over time, eventually leading to heart attacks or strokes.
The researchers at UZH, in collaboration with the University Hospital Zurich and the University of Pisa, sought to rectify this communication disruption at its core.
Reprogramming Genetic Activity
Their approach focuses on epigenetic regulators—chemical markers that coat DNA and control gene expression. Instead of targeting a single molecule later in the disease’s progression, the goal was to reset the entire gene activity program of adipose tissue. “We aimed to recalibrate the genetic activity, rather than just targeting one late-stage molecule,” Paneni noted in a recent announcement.
The results of the treatment using epigenetic medications have been promising. Tests conducted on mice and human tissue demonstrated that blood vessels surrounded by reprogrammed fat tissue were more relaxed and exhibited fewer signs of damage.
Key Enzyme in Focus: Hexokinase 2
A pivotal mediator identified by the research team is the enzyme Hexokinase 2, which plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism. An overactivity of this enzyme in fat tissue leads to greater fat storage, inflammatory signals, and substances harmful to blood vessels. Reducing the activity of Hexokinase 2 normalized the vascular responses, illustrating the importance of this enzyme in combating cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes.
Conclusion
As the research from Zurich progresses, the potential of these epigenetic medications could revolutionize not only how we treat diabetes but also how we prevent its most devastating complications—cardiovascular diseases. With ongoing studies and trials, there is hope that these innovative treatments will provide a protective barrier for millions living with diabetes, fundamentally changing the landscape of diabetes management and heart health.
