Researchers have developed a genetically modified tomato that produces a certain peptide which will lower the plaque buildup in the arteries of mice. This could also work in humans.
The researchers presented their findings at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2012. The GM tomato produces 6F, a small peptide that mimics the action of ApoA-1, the chief protein in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). They used this in mice that were unable to remove low-density lipoprotein and fed them a high-fat diet.
With 2.2% of the rodent’s diet comprised of the GM tomato, the researchers found that the mice had lower levels of blood inflammation, higher activity of the anti-oxidant enzyme paraoxonase, boosted levels of high-density lipoproteins, decreased lysophosphatidic acid and less atherosclerotic plaque.
“To our knowledge, this is the first example of a drug with these properties that has been produced in an edible plant and is biologically active when fed without any isolation or purification of the drug,” said senior study author Dr. Alan M. Fogelman.
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2 Comments
Who are the “RESEARCHERS” And how were they able to see the long term effects of consuming GMO tomatoes? Who paid for the research?
Here is what I found, thanks.
Senior Author: Alan M. Fogelman, M.D., senior author of the study and executive chair of the Department of Medicine and director of the Atherosclerosis Research Unit in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Authors: Arnab Chattopadhyay, Mohamad Navab, Greg Hough, David Meriwether, Gao Feng, Victor Grijalva, James R Springstead, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; Mayakonda N Palgunachari, U Alabama, South Birmingham, AL; Ryan Namiri-Kalantari, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; G. M. Anantharamaya, U Alabama, South Birmingham, AL; Robin Farias-Eisner, Srinivasa T Reddy, Alan M. Fogelman, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Statements and conclusions of study authors that are presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect association policy or position. The association makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at http://www.heart.org/corporatefunding external link.