Related Experiment Videos
A geochemical basis for endomyocardial fibrosis
M S Valiathan1, C C Kartha, J T Eapen
1ICMR Centre for Research in Cardiomyopathy, Trivandrum, India.
Cardiovascular Research
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Cerium, a lanthanide found in vegetables, was significantly concentrated in the hearts of patients with endomyocardial fibrosis. This finding may explain the disease's prevalence in tropical regions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is a tropical cardiomyopathy with unknown etiology.
- Lanthanides, including cerium, are environmental elements found in various food sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of cerium in the pathogenesis of endomyocardial fibrosis.
- To explore a possible geographical link between cerium exposure and EMF prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of cerium concentration in heart tissue samples from EMF patients and control groups.
- Utilizing analytical techniques to quantify lanthanide levels in myocardial tissue.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated concentrations of cerium were detected in the hearts of patients with endomyocardial fibrosis compared to controls.
- Cerium is a lanthanide commonly found in leafy vegetables and root tubers, suggesting a dietary source.
Conclusions:
- Elevated cardiac cerium levels may be implicated in the pathogenesis of endomyocardial fibrosis.
- The presence of cerium in common tropical food sources provides a potential geographical basis for EMF prevalence in these regions.