Islet Sciences Highlights Abstract at Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis & Vascular Biology ATVB 2013

Islet Sciences Highlights Abstract at Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis & Vascular Biology ATVB 2013

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Islet Sciences, Inc., (OTC.BB: ISLT) a biotechnology company engaged in the research, development and commercialization of patented technologies for people with diabetes, announced today the acceptance and presentation of an abstract at the recent Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis & Vascular Biology (ATVB) 2013. The abstract is titled: Signal Transducer and Activation of Transcription (STAT) 4 deficiency reduces adipose tissue inflammation and atherosclerosis.

"We are delighted to have validation that the pathways and targets for our globally patented compounds have been articulated in such a prestigious meeting by the researchers at EVMU," said John Steel, Chairman and CEO of Islet Sciences. "The research was funded in part by the NIH which further strengthens our global value proposition. This clearly provides further evidence for the value and promise of this technology to be developed for treatments for diabetes and related complications."

From a recent press release issued by EVMS, Anca Dobrian, PhD, Associate Professor of Physiological Sciences at EVMS and lead author on the study stated, "The research shows the potential for the fat around the blood vessels to cause the onset and progression of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerosis is the potentially dangerous buildup of plaque within arteries. We determined that a pro-inflammatory pathway that is active both in fat and in the blood vessels, named IL12/STAT4, is in part responsible for the inflammation that contributes to atherosclerotic plaque formation.

"This is a new mechanism by which fat around the blood vessels impacts the evolution of cardiovascular disease," says Jerry L. Nadler, MD, Chair of Internal Medicine at EVMS and the school's Harry H. Mansbach Chair in Internal Medicine.

Link to research article:http://www.evms.edu/news/researchshedsnewlightoncauseandpotentialtreatmentforheartdisease.html

Author Information: Anca D Dobrian, Margaret Hatcher, Eastern Virginia Medical Sch, Norfolk, VA; Monica Sundquist, William McPheat, Astra Zeneca, Molndal, Sweden; Jerry L Nadler, Eastern Virginia Medical Sch, Norfolk, VA

Abstract Overview: Adipose tissue (AT) inflammation is key for the development of insulin resistance (IR) and contributes to progression of atherosclerosis. Previous work from our group showed that STAT4 deficiency is protective for IR in obesity and reduces atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms are not completely understood. In this study we examined the effect of STAT4 deficiency on peri-vascular and visceral AT inflammation in atherosclerosis. Compared to controls, Stat-4-/-Apoe-/- female mice fed Western diet (WD) for 12 weeks showed a ~40% reduction in the thoracic aorta lesion area. Collectively, data show that STAT4 reduction has early beneficial effects on AT inflammation and that peri-aortic AT inflammation is dramatically reduced. Thus targeting STAT4 may be a novel approach to treat atherosclerosis by reducing peri-vascular AT inflammation.

About Islet Sciences, Inc.

Islet Sciences is a development-stage biotechnology company with patented technologies focused on infusion therapy for people with insulin-dependent diabetes. The Company's infusion technology includes methods for the culturing, isolation, maturation, and immunoprotection (microencapsulation) of islet cells. The Company's mission includes the introduction of commercial products relevant to the insulin dependent diabetes marketplace including diagnostics and anti-inflammatory compounds. For more information: www.isletsciences.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements for Islet Sciences reflect current expectations, as of the date of this press release, and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward- looking statements as a result of various factors. Factors that could cause future results to materially differ from the recent results or those projected in forward-looking statements include the risks described in the Islet Science's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The companies' further development is highly dependent on future medical and research developments and market acceptance, which is outside their control.

Islet Sciences
Investors:
ProActive Capital Group
Jeff Ramson, 347-394-2881
jramson@proactivecapital.com

KEYWORDS: United States North America Florida New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

The article Islet Sciences Highlights Abstract at Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis & Vascular Biology ATVB 2013 originally appeared on Fool.com.

Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.