A recent study involving hibernating brown bears has revealed a factor that safeguards them from thrombosis during six months of immobilisation.
The study, which also looked at people who can't move for long periods, found that having lower levels of a specific protein called HSP47 in blood cells helps protect against blood clotting.
This discovery, backed by research in pigs and mice, shows the protection is found in many different mammals and could help create new blood clot prevention treatments.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a cardiovascular condition in which blood clots form in veins, can cause death or severe disability.
Individuals who experience short-term immobility due to illness or injury face an increased risk of VTE, while those with chronic paralysis from spinal cord injuries do not.
Hibernating brown bears, despite being immobile for months at a time, also do not show an increased risk of thrombosis during hibernation.
These observations suggest a molecular mechanism that defends against the condition during extended immobilisation periods in both species.
To investigate this protection, researchers led by Manuela Thienel analysed blood samples from hibernating brown bears and chronically immobilised humans.
By using a technique called mass spectrometry-based proteomics, the researchers discovered that blood cells from hibernating bears have a unique pattern that helps prevent blood clotting.
This pattern is marked by lower levels of a protein called HSP47 and fewer signs of inflammation.
This pattern was also observed in immobilised humans, with additional support from pig and mouse studies.
To further examine the effect of immobilisation, the researchers subjected healthy individuals to bed rest, noting a significant reduction in HSP47 after 27 days.
The results suggest that the reduction in HSP47 during long-term immobilisation offers protection from thrombosis.
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
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AndhaDhun
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Producer: Matchbox Pictures, Viacom18
Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Radhika Apte, Anil Dhawan
Rating: 3.5/5
Brief scoreline:
Wales 1
James 5'
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Man of the Match: Dan James (Wales)
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business