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INTRODUCTION |
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Cardiovascular Diseases
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Cardiovascular disease represents the class of diseases related to the heart and/or blood vessels such as arteries and veins. However, it is often used to indicate coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Atherosclerosis is a condition that the arteries become clogged and narrowed, and the restriction of blood flow to the heart occurs. Without adequate blood flow, the heart becomes deprived of oxygen and essential nutrients, and eventually it ceases to work properly. |
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Information & Current Research |
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Cyclooxygenases are known to catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2, the intermediate molecule for prostacyclin and thromboxane A2, which are involved in regulating the P-selectin expression on platelets. Cyclooxygenases (Prostaglandin H Synthase or PGHS) are enzymes with both cyclooxygenase and peroxidase activities, and there are two forms of cyclooxygenases (COX-I and COX-II). For many years, COX inhibitors have been used for treating inflammation-related diseases including cardiovascular diseases. However, the inhibition of the prostacyclin signaling pathway by COX inhibitors is reported to be involved in increasing atherosclerosis and narrowing coronary artery in animal models, thereby producing adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In practical and nutritional perspectives, there are a couple of things you can do for healthy heart.
* Practice a balanced healthy diet (e.g., herbs, fruits, vegetables, nuts).
* Avoid unnecessary stresses (e.g., physical, emotional, physiological).
* Perform a regular exercise (e.g., at least 15-30 min
daily) and Maintain your body weight at healthy levels (e.g.,
check your BMI index).
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An
example of bio-active compounds investigated in Dr.
Park's laboratory
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