Tadias Magazine
By Tseday Alehegn
Published: Tuesday, March 17, 2009.
New York (TADIAS) – Dr. Yared Tekabe enjoys doing most of his reflections while sitting anonymously with his laptop at cafés in Harlem. When he’s not there, Tekabe is busy running studies in cardiovascular disease detection and prevention at his lab in Columbia University’s William Black building in upper Manhattan. Last November, Tekabe’s groundbreaking work on non-invasive atherosclerosis detection and molecular imaging was published in the American Heart Association’s journal, Circulation, along with an editorial citing its clinical implications.
Dr Tekabe’s success has helped his laboratory, headed by Dr Lynne Johnson, to receive another $1.6 million four-year grant from the National Institute of Health to continue his research, and Tekabe hopes that in a few years time his work can help heart disease prevention efforts and early detection of atherosclerosis in humans.
“What is atherosclerosis in layman terms?” I ask him, trying hard to correctly pronounce this tongue twister. He breaks it down to its linguistic roots. “Atherosclerosis comes from the Greek roots athere which means gruel, and skleros which means hardness or hardening,” he explains. Further research in Wiki reveals that atherosclerosis is a condition affecting our arterial blood vessels, which transport blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Atherosclerosis is the chronic condition in which inflammation of the walls of our blood vessels lead to hardening of the arteries.
“Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD),” Tekabe says. “The result is progressive closing of the blood vessels by fat and plaque deposits, which block and further restrict blood flow. In more serious cases it may also lead to clots in the aorta (main artery coming out of the heart) or carotids (arteries supplying blood to the brain) that may dislodge and travel to other parts of the body such as the brain, causing stroke. If the clot is in the leg, for example, it can lead to gangrene. Deposits of fat and inflammatory cells that build up in the walls of the coronary arteries (supplying blood to the heart muscle) can rupture leading to blood clots. Such clots in an artery that supplies blood to the heart muscle will suddenly close the artery and deprive the heart muscle of oxygen causing a heart attack. In the case of very sudden closure of an artery a clot can cause sudden cardiac death.”
“It’s the Tim Russert story,” Tekabe says, providing a recent example of what undetected levels of plaque formation in our bodies can lead to. EverydayHealth.com, an online consumer health portal, had described the famed former MSNBC ‘Meet the Press’ host’s sudden heart attack as being caused by a plaque rupture in a coronary artery. Russert had previously been diagnosed with heart disease, but his atherosclerosis was asymptomatic. He had not experienced the common signs of chest pain and other heart attack symptoms to warn him or his doctors of his true condition. The undetected inflammation in his vessels and the subsequent rupture of plaque led to his sudden heart attack and untimely death. This is not uncommon, however. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease “is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, and women account for 51% of the total heart disease deaths.” There is even more grim news: United States data for 2004 has revealed that the first physical symptom of heart disease was heart attack and sudden death for about 65% of men and 47% of women with CVD.
The risk factors for atherosclerosis are well known and Tekabe runs through the list with me: “diabetes, obesity, stress, smoking, high blood pressure, family history of CVD, and diet” he says. “But of all the factors that I have mentioned, I would say diet is the most important one to change,” he adds. Food items such as red meat, butter, whole milk, cheese, ice cream, egg yolk, and those containing trans fat all put us at higher risk for plaque formation. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish such as salmon, herring and trout instead of red meat, as well as eating food that is steamed, boiled or baked instead of fried. It is better to use corn, canola, or olive oil instead of butter, and to eat more fiber (fruit, vegetables, and whole grain). Notwithstanding that March is deemed National Nutrition Month by the American Heart Association, changing our diet is largely emphasized in CVD prevention. We should also be exercising at least 30 minutes each day.
“Early non-invasive detection of the presence of inflammation and plaque could save lives,” Tekabe points out. “But the problem is two-fold: those who suffer from atherosclerosis do not display warning signs until it’s too late, and for doctors, a non-invasive method of detecting atherosclerosis is by and large not a possibility.” Research by Tekabe and others may soon change the way doctors can detect atherosclerosis.
Using molecular imaging techniques that were previously popular in cancer biology research, Tekabe and his colleagues have discovered non-invasive methods of detecting RAGE, a receptor first discovered in 1992 and thought to have causative implications in a host of chronic diseases ranging from diabetes to arthritis. Tekabe, collaborating with Dr Ann Marie Schmidt who has shown that RAGE receptors play a key role in atherosclerotic inflammatory response, notes that these receptors can be detected non-invasively in mice that have been fed a high-fat, high cholesterol diet.
“In the past, although we knew about the RAGE receptor, especially in the study of diabetes, we were not able to detect it without performing an autopsy of the lab mice. Clearly, in the case of humans it would be pointless if we said that we detected atherosclerosis in the patient after the patient had died,” Tekabe explains. “Therefore, it was imperative that our research showed a more non-invasive method, detecting RAGE receptors and locations of inflammation while the subject was still alive. The first step would be to test it on mice, which we have, and then perhaps on larger animals such as pigs, so that this research could be successfully translated to help non-invasively detect atherosclerosis in its early stages in human beings.”
Left Image: Atherosclerotic aorta: The image is from a mouse fed a Western type of fat diet (high-fat, high cholesterol diet) for 34 weeks. It shows complete blockage of the aorta and the branches that supply the brain. The plaque is made up of fat and inflammatory cells.
Right Image: Relatively normal aorta: This is from 6 weeks old mouse fed a normal diet.
Tekabe’s recently published research showing detection of RAGE receptors responsible for arterial inflammation was funded by a grant from the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology as well as from an American Heart Association Heritage Foundation award.
The November Circulation editorial entitled “Feeling the RAGE in the Atherosclerotic Vessel Wall” highlights the significance of Tekabe et al’s findings and the necessity for early detection of atherosclerosis. “This is an exciting development that adds an important marker of atherosclerotic disease that can now be assessed non-invasively,” write Drs. Zahi Fayad and Esad Vucic. “Tekabe et al demonstrate, for the first time, the noninvasive specific detection of RAGE in the vessel wall.” They concur with Tekabe that “noninvasive detection of RAGE in the vessel wall could help define its role in plaque rupture, which has potentially important clinical implications.”
Tekabe came to Boston in 1990 and subsequently completed his Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and his Masters and PhD in Biomedical Sciences with a focus on CVD and drug development. His academic choices have inevitably led him to his career as a scientist, but he has personal reasons for choosing this path as well.
“I was born in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. I have 1 brother and 8 sisters, and my parents had no formal education. But my father always encouraged me to seek higher education. While I was completing my studies I witnessed my beloved father suffer from Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and he underwent triple bypass surgery. He passed away in 2004, and I promised myself that I would step up to the challenge of finding a way to prevent heart disease” Tekabe says in a somber and determined tone. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the developed world, and I am motivated by that challenge, but this research is also deeply personal.”
Tekabe hopes that his research will be applicable to other areas where RAGE receptors have been hypothesized to play a central role. Circulation editors who follow Tekabe’s work have noted that “in addition to its role in atherosclerosis and the development of vascular complications in diabetes, RAGE possesses wider implications in a variety of diseases, such as arthritis, cancer, liver disease, neurodegenerative disease, and sepsis, which underscores the importance of the ability of its noninvasive detection.” Tekabe, as part of Dr Ann Marie Schmidt’s team, has already filed U.S. and international patents and has plans to jump-start a drug development arm of the pharmaceutical industry in Ethiopia. “I’m looking for interested sponsors in Ethiopia who can see the potential of this research and its global implications,” he states.
Now that Forbes has apprised us of the billionaire status of an Ethiopian-born businessman, we hope this news may peak his interest in helping to start scientific research initiatives in Ethiopia.
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Thank you all so much for your great response. “Betam Amesegnalew”
First of all, I would like to thank the author Tseday for a wonderful job to reach out to an Ethiopian doctor who is doing a wonderful thing for everybody in this particular and important field to find and to expose to the world his achievements and his success. Dr. Yared is a role model to all of us. Hopefully very soon he will be a Nobel Prize recipient for the invaluable research that he is doing. Last but not least, I’d like to congratulate you for your good work and for representing all of us well to give us a source of pride as well as those who came before you in the past. Keep up being a role model and we all are very proud and appreciative of your work.
FDNY
Great article by Tseday. Dr Yared, we are all proud of you and as you blaze new trails in the groundbreaking research that you are doing, you remain a role model for future scientists.
Inspiring Article! From my conversations with Dr. Yared, I know he is a rising star!
I would also like to compliment Tseday on her writing!
Lastly, I would like to respond to a post by Abram (Mar 21st, 2009 at 9:36 am) concerning Research Ethics.
As a research scientist myself, I am well aware of the ethical issues behind doing research on humans. But before any research gets to clinical trials, a series of extensive toxicity and proof of principle experiments are carried out. Unfortunately, things cannot be stopped after animal studies since what works in animals does not necessarily work in humans (If it did, we would have developed a vaccine against HIV and cancer a long time ago).
For the vast majority, when drugs reach clinical trials, they should not be deadly since preliminary research should show that it is not toxic before getting to that stage. So unless you are referring to people doing research that is not regulated, it is very uncommon.
MM
This is really great. I’ll be very careful with my diet from now on.
Saying that this is great work is certainly an understatement!
It is so empowering to find our African brothers not only digging their way out of the status quo, but to get to the point where they are making their own discoveries and most importantly not forgetting to bring the knowledge to the motherland.
I am impressed, inspired and thankful for the likes of Dr. Tekabe.
Good bless, I know you can continue to make great things happen.
thank you Dr.yared It is wonderful work.keep up
the good work god bless you and your family
Dr.yared
it is wonderful work.
god bless you and your family
I went to the school you went to, Bisrate Gabriel of Dire Dawa, Dr Yared, and just want to let you assure you of the great pride you’ve brought to your school and your schoolmates. God Bless
Dear Dr Yared.
I don’t know that much about you. However, I am so proud of the inspirational job you are doing. As I have understood, you are the man with VISION. God bless you. Beside this, I am so thankful for Tseday for letting me know about Dr Yared through the article
Demisse
Deme_ze20@yahoo.com
Dr Yared,
Congrats on your amazing work, it is so uplifting to see your commitment to developing medical and scientific breakthroughs. We’re so proud of you!
Yared,
This is a wonderful work! I am sure it is a result of hours and hours of hard work. Enjoy and best wishes for the future!
tiruneh
Congratulation Dr. Tekabe! I am very proud of you; besides, I admire your motivation for this kind of research. What you are doing is a big deal for our world, and it is an alteration for our Country’s name too. I just say keep on it & God bless you!
Hey Dr. Yared,
I just heard you had a baby son… congrats for both your research and you new addition to your lovely family, and two daughters.
Kaku
Dr. Yared,
I am quite impressed and elated about your scientific research and significant contribution for humanity to conquer Atherosclerosis, a number one killer disease as we know it. More than anything else Yared, I must recognize and congratulate you for your VERY hard work and sacrifice over many years. You are very focused, disciplined and know exactly what you want to accomplish in life. These are some of your rare qualities which I am always inspired by. Thank you so much for making us feel so proud inspired indeed!
May the good Lord bless you and your family!
Cousin, Merid
I am really happy for you. keep doing the good work Yared!
I am proud of you and congratulation my friend.
Tseday and Dr. Yared, my New York people!! great article, please push as much as you can to expand the topic to the Ethiopian masses.. this is a serious issue witch you guys have enlightened me and I’m sure many others as well.. keep up the great work…
peace
Dr. Tekabe… I recently met you at work and did not realize that I was at the presence of greatness. I am honored to have met you and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your research and the many more to come……I am sure we have not heard the last from you.
maaza
Keep up the good work Dr Yared, it’s important you keep searching for ways to prevent the illness from occuring and also warn the youth before it happens…it has been a great pleasure having conversation with you as well as reading your research.
Dr.Tekabes; Congratulations on all your success and great achievements throught out your professional career. I look forward on reading more of your publications in the future.
First thing first, I would like to commend you for tremendous job you’re doing. Second, I think its eye opening and instructive critique. Most of us know craving for those fatty food had unprecedented side effect, yet we tend to pay no heed to it until it’s too late. I think it’s very serious diseases, fortified with lethal weapon. Dr. Yared we thank for your perseverance and commitment on your research, and I’m sure your exceptional work change people’s life ceaselessly.
I commend you for your hard work. It is an uplifting story. You have set an example and hope many more young Ethiopians follow your path.It is great accomplishment and keep up the good job.Thanks Tadias for sharing such great news and work with all of us.
Hey Yared,
I am so impressed and proud of your discovery! This is such great news, and coming from my uncle! I hope that this break through will help those in need and fulfill your dreams. I’m so happy for you Yared, and getting the chance to read about your work. I wish the best of luck to you! You make us all proud!!!
Mahlet Mesfin
Hey Yared. We expected nothing less. Very proud of what you’re doing, bro.
Hey Dr. Yared. We are all very proud of what you are doing and I hope the almight lord will enhance your knowledge to keep doing your work. keep-up Brother.
Dear Dr. Yared,
what is striking about your discovery is that you are very young:Indeed the future
is in your hands. I plead with young Ethiopians–where ever they may be– to take Dr.
Yared as their Model. His achievement goes beyond personal fame and wealth to benefit
humanity. In my humble openion, passionate intervention to help fellow human beings
ought to be the defining justification for our existence on this Earth !
Congradualation, Dr. Yared! Indeed, it has been a previlage to have met you,allbeit
by sheer accident .
Dr.Yared
This is, indeed, a great step for not only science, but also for human race as a whole. This one genius contribution for humanity can resolve the challenge our race- human race- is facing to survive withing the ups and downs of nature. As a result of your, Dr Yared, and your colleagues admirable effort, work and considerable moments of monotonous researching, significant amounts of pathetic deaths are guaranteed to be curtailed. I admire your and your teams work, plus your personal struggles to improve the duality of medical world. It is not long,I strongly believe, before I see you, furthermore, on CNN or BBC with Nobel prize for your deserving accomplishment. No doubt you will keep the excellence up; therefore, thank you, already, for your wonderful contribution for humanity, and I will look forward for the application of your empirically successful technique.
Y
Jobs well done Dr. I’m so proud of you.
hi yared befor i know your work or read your work i maet
you personaly by accedant and took me home which i left long long
time ago what a greet feeling .you are great not only in your reserch
your sence of humour too.keep up your hevenly work
Dr. Yared
You are doing an important work. It has value for all of us. Thank you.
selam
Tedi
Dr yared Tekabe , you are an Ethiopian hero! I lost my father to stroke! , as you know cardio and high blood pressure are the number one silent killers in Ethiopia , I hope your research will bring some good news , I wish you all the best and don’t forget that your father’s prayer in heaven also will help you, believe me!
Thank you all so much. I’ll update you on my progress with the help of God!
Tsedey,
Thanks for geting this complex issue in a simple term and for having an inspiring
interview with Dr. Yared. It is very enouraging for those in medical field to purue
in their studies keeping Dr. Yared as role model. Keep up the good work!!
Dr.Yared,
I’m happy that you have achieved this level of groundbreaking research on Heart Disease. Keep up the good work!
-Haikel
Good work keep up
taxiologist
Dr. Yared,
A belated congrats on your accomplishments.
Glad to see those long and grueling hours of studying finally paying off…
your old study companion from NU by way of Garden Street
Dr. Yared,
It is only by chance I came across this. It has been a very long time since we have talked. Your level of acheivement gave me not only a great pleasure but also remineded me of your aspirations and devotion to your work even when you were younger in high school and university. So, this is only the begining, I am sure you will do more……
Your old freind Zaki Kamil
I am Very proud of you. Keep up the good work and make us proud again and again. I am even more proud to have been born in Dire Dawa, like you!
It takes a great deal of effort to come up with such a breakthrough and it is my honor to have known such a great scientist. No doubt that this will not be last one because more shall come from you. I am really glad to come across you in person and have known you. I wish you all the best in your upcoming projects.
Dear Editor-In-Chief,
Many thanks foe the brilliant Article. keep up with the good work.
Dear Dr. Yared, It is indeed great to read about your cutting-edge research in combating coronary heart disease. The fact that your approach is non-invasive makes it even more exciting.Great job!
You’ve also highlighted the importance of adopting healthy habits during the interview, which is pivotal, if we want to win the war against heart disease and in general against non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes etc.
I’ve developed a DVD in Amharic recently. “Teninet Bemircha” is a 75 minutes DVD with special emphasis on prevention of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Prevention is indeed better than cure!
I specialize in lifestyle and preventive medicine and I would love to send you (and Ms. Tseday as well) a copy of it, if I could get your address.
It would be great to stay in touch with you
Be blessed
Dr. Dawit
It is a privillage to read about a fellow Ethiopian conducting groundbreaking research. It is truely a motivation and great pride. Thank you and keep up the good work Doctor.
You have done so much for the world. Thank you and keep up the good work.
We r so proud of u,’This time for Africa….!’
God bless u!
Menbere Tesfaye
We Ethiopianare proud of u Especially From DD
Great job
Hi, Dr.Yared , it is a great deal of work ,so proud of you .
great job . hop you will do more .