science
Blood Test Developed to Detect Heart and Kidney Disease Earlier
Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified a method to detect damage to microscopic blood vessels by examining a coating transferred to red blood cells. The approach could allow doctors to identify early signs of heart and kidney disease through a routine blood test instead of invasive procedures.
May 12, 4:55 AM·2m read1 source
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Researchers have identified a method to detect damage to the lining of microscopic blood vessels, which could enable earlier identification of heart and kidney disease. The approach focuses on the glycocalyx, a sugar and protein coating on the surface of blood vessels that is sensitive to early signs of illness.
Scientists demonstrated that as blood circulates, red blood cells and vessel walls exchange components of this coating, leaving a biochemical imprint on the red blood cells that reflects the condition of the vessel lining. This imprint can be detected in blood samples, potentially replacing the need for invasive tissue biopsies and advanced microscopy, which have been the primary methods for assessing such damage.
The findings were reported in a study published in the journal Nature Communications.
The method offers a way to monitor vascular health through standard blood testing. It could allow assessment of a person's risk for heart and kidney related diseases at an earlier stage. The researchers also indicated that the test can detect when drugs are effective at restoring the blood vessel lining. This capability may support faster evaluation of treatments for vascular conditions.
One researcher stated that monitoring blood vessel damage has been part of healthcare for decades but that a large portion of the vascular system has remained inaccessible because the vessels are too small to be seen. The researcher added that changes on the surface of red blood cells can identify microscopic damage before other markers become detectable.
A second researcher said the findings provide a tool for identifying potential health issues at an earlier stage and could support proactive approaches to addressing diseases before they develop. The study was directly funded by the Medical Research Council and Kidney Research UK.
