Scientists in the United States (U.S.) said people who sleep fewer than seven hours per night have lower levels of gene-regulating molecules, or microRNAs, which help dampen down inflammation in cells and support hearth health. These are the findings of a new study by the University of Colorado Boulder, published in the journal ‘Experimental Physiology’.
The findings could potentially lead to new, non-invasive tests for sleep deprived patients that are concerned about their health. The position of the US scientists corroborates the findings of numerous studies in recent years, to the effect that people who don’t get enough sleep are at greater risk of stroke and heart attack. MicroRNAs are small molecules that suppress gene expression of certain proteins in cells.
The exact function of circulating microRNAs in the cardiovascular system, and their impact on cardiovascular health is receiving a lot of scientific attention, and drugs are currently in development for a variety of diseases, including cancer, to correct impaired microRNA signatures, the ‘Science Daily’ reported. “They are like cellular brakes, so if beneficial microRNAs are lacking that can have a big impact on the health of the cell,” said Christopher DeSouza, the senior author of the study and a Professor of Integrative Physiology……..read more
Source: New Telegraph
