30/05/2026
Scientists Discover Enzyme That Can “Eat Away” Arterial Plaque!
In a breakthrough that could transform the future of cardiovascular medicine, Italian researchers have identified a specialized bacterial enzyme capable of breaking down arterial plaque—the fatty, calcified buildup responsible for heart attacks and strokes. Published in the European Heart Journal, the preclinical study demonstrated that these enzymes can selectively dissolve the fibrin-lipid framework that forms atherosclerotic plaque. Using advanced nanotechnology, scientists packaged the enzymes inside biocompatible lipid nanoparticles that travel through the bloodstream unnoticed by the immune system and release their payload only when they detect inflammation signals from blocked arteries. In animal studies, this targeted approach reduced plaque burden by up to 42%, restoring blood flow without surgery, stents, or invasive procedures. While the findings represent a promising step toward naturally reversing coronary artery disease, researchers caution that human clinical trials are still several years away, and current preventive measures—including healthy lifestyle habits, statin therapy, and regular cardiovascular screening—remain the most effective strategies for protecting heart health.
