FEBRUARY 2012

NEW Products

SPECIAL Troponin 10% OFF 

FEATURED Heartworm

Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm (Dirofilaria immitis) that is spread from host to host through the bites of mosquitoes. The heartworm is a type of filaria, a small thread-like worm. The definitive host is the dog but it can also infect cats, wolves, coyotes, foxes and other animals, such as ferrets, sea lions and even, under very rare circumstances, humans. The parasite is commonly called 'heartworm' because the adult reproductive stage of its life cycle resides primarily in the right ventricle of its host where it can live for many years. Heartworm infection may result in serious disease for the host.

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ARTICLE Netrin-1 as a Novel Target in Atherosclerosis

A recent study has identified a new culprit that leads to atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fat and cholesterol that hardens into plaque and narrows arteries (1, 2). The research explains why cholesterol-laden, coronary artery disease-causing cells called macrophages, accumulate in artery plaques.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up on the inside of arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows the arteries. The flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and other parts of your body is reduced. This can lead to serious problems, including heart attack, stroke, or even death.

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