Signalling protein found to drive heart scarring and organ failure

A part of the immune system once thought to prevent organ damage is actually a leading cause of scarring and heart failure, a study has found. Researchers at Imperial College London discovered that a protein called interleukin 11 (IL-11) plays a key role in the scarring process, which in turn causes heart, kidney and liver failure. The research also found that inhibiting IL-11 could prevent the build-up of excess connective tissue in the hearts and kidneys of mice, a process called fibrosis. The researchers are hopeful that the findings could pave the way for new treatments to prevent fibrosis and organ failure. After a heart attack many patients may go on to develop heart failure , due to scars forming in the damaged heart muscle. Scarring is a natural response to tissue injury, but too much of it can stop organs from working effectively, and even leading to the organ starting to fail. Heart-breaking changes.