Galectin-3 research uncovers new use for Modified Citrus Pectin in cardiovascular, heart disease

May 24 2011

In a new important research study out of the UK, scientists found that the specific form of Modified Citrus Pectin developed by Isaac Eliaz, M.D. interrupts deadly kidney fibrosis by binding to galectin-3 molecules, decreasing the effects of inflammation and fibrosis in acute kidney injury. This demonstrates an exciting new use for Modified Citrus Pectin, uncovered by this groundbreaking new galectin-3 research.

What Is Galectin-3?

Galectin-3 is a molecule that naturally occurs in the body. When galectin-3 levels are in balance, they play a role in growth processes, eye development, cell-to-cell communication and cell growth regulation. However, it is now understood that abnormally high levels of galectin-3 molecules are involved in the progression of numerous serious diseases. An over-expression of galectin-3 in the body plays a large role in promoting inflammatory responses and fibrosis that lead to progressive heart failure, liver cirrhosis and others, as well as cancer progression and metastasis.

"Fibrosis is responsible for many chronic and deadly disease states, because of the overproduction of excessive scar tissue within various organs and systems," says Dr. Isaac Eliaz, a pioneer in the field of Modified Citrus Pectin research. Conditions such as cardiovascular and heart disease, pulmonary fibrosis (lung disease), cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and many other serious health problems involve inflammation and fibrosis.

Modified Citrus Pectin and Galectin-3

By binding to the galectin-3 molecules, Modified Citrus Pectin prevents these galectin-3s from triggering harmful inflammation, excessive scar tissue build up and abnormal cellular growth. This new discovery shows MCP has enormous potential for prevention and treatment of inflammation and fibrosis-related illnesses for which there are currently limited or no treatments available. "This new research is truly exciting because Modified Citrus Pectin is turning out to be much, much, more versatile than anyone imagined," says Dr. Isaac Eliaz.

In this new pre-clinical study, scientists in the Nephro-Urology unit at the UCL Institute of Child Health in London researched the effects of Dr. Eliaz's unique form of Modified Citrus Pectin in induced kidney fibrosis disease. The findings demonstrate the potential of using Modified Citrus Pectin as a new therapy for acute kidney injury as well as its potential role in the treatment of other inflammatory and fibrosis-related conditions.

"Because this citrus pectin is modified to a specific low molecular weight range and structure, it can be easily absorbed into the circulation and reach specific organs and tissues affected by this dangerous inflammation and fibrosis process. Now that we understand more about the role of galectin-3 molecules in inflammation and fibrosis, we can use Modified Citrus Pectin to target various diseases involved in abnormal cellular growth and fibrosis, as well as apply it for preventative purposes," says Dr. Eliaz.