ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic investigators will present and participate in 70 scientific presentations during the 2007 Experimental Biology meeting, April 28-May 2 in Washington, D.C.

This annual meeting brings together scientists from dozens of different disciplines whose work spans laboratory to translational to clinical research throughout the United States and the world. More than 12,000 biological and biomedical scientists are expected to attend.

The following summaries represent select Mayo presentations. Embargo times and dates vary per presentation.

MAYO RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY ANTIOXIDANT MECHANISMS INVOLVED IN PROTECTION AGAINST CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

EMBARGOED: 3 p.m. Eastern, April 29, 2007

Zvonimir Katusic, M.D., Ph.D., and Mayo colleagues have identified antioxidant mechanisms essential for regenerative function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). EPCs move from the bone marrow into the bloodstream to repair the endothelium during a heart attack or stroke.

"This work paves the way for successful harnessing of the therapeutic effect of EPCs in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases," Dr. Katusic says.

The endothelium is a single layer of cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels. It protects tissues against the formation of blood clots in arteries and veins. If the endothelium is not working properly, patients are at risk for developing heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and venous thrombosis.

Normally, when EPCs move into the bloodstream, the body can restore cardiovascular functions that may have gone awry. EPCs are resistant to stress and are capable of repairing the endothelium even under conditions of extreme ischemia (inadequate supply of oxygen to an organ). But when EPCs are in insufficient supply, they are unable to protect the body from heart disease or stroke.

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Contact: Amy Reyes
newsbureau@mayo.edu
507-284-5005
Mayo Clinic
30-Apr-2007