29/05/2026
Scientists found an enzyme that "eats" arterial plaque.
The discovery by Italian researchers could eventually replace open-heart surgery.
An elite research network across Italy has isolated a specific class of specialized bacterial enzymes capable of naturally breaking down the dense, calcified fatty deposits known as arterial plaque. Published in the European Heart Journal, the preclinical study demonstrates how these highly targeted bio-catalysts can selectively degrade the complex fibrin-lipid matrix that forms the structural foundation of atherosclerosis.
Utilizing advanced nanotechnology, scientists engineered biocompatible lipid-shell nanocarriers to encapsulate the enzymes, allowing them to travel through the bloodstream completely undetected by the immune system.
Once these smart carriers encounter the precise inflammatory signals emitted by an obstructed vessel, they release their enzymatic payload directly into the plaque barrier, safely dissolving the mechanical blockage and restoring blood flow without requiring a single invasive incision or stent deployment.
While the prospect of naturally reversing established coronary artery disease represents a historic paradigm shift for cardiovascular medicine, cardiologists emphasize that this biological solution is still moving through its foundational safety pipeline. Replicating the 42% plaque reduction observed in animal models requires absolute precision; if the enzymes are released prematurely or interact with healthy vascular tissues, they risk destabilizing stable arterial walls or triggering major systemic bleeding events. Human clinical safety trials are not projected to begin for several years, meaning that rigorous lifestyle management, statin therapies, and regular cardiovascular screeners remain the definitive gold standard for managing heart health.
Reference
Rossi, M., Bianchi, L., & Ferrero, G. (2026). Nanoparticle-targeted enzymatic degradation of atherosclerotic plaque: An in vivo proof of concept. European Heart Journal, 47(18), 1422-1435.
