Common Anti-Inflammatory Medication May Reduce Blood Mutations Linked to Heart Disease

Recent research suggests that taking a low dose of colchicine daily could slow the growth of a common acquired gene mutation in blood cells, which is associated with increased risks of certain blood cancers and cardiovascular disease (CVD). A subanalysis of the LoDoCo2 trial, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), indicates that colchicine may have protective effects beyond its usual use for gout and inflammatory conditions.

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is an age-related phenomenon where mutations develop in blood stem cells, notably in genes like DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1, which account for approximately 80% of cases. Over 10% of individuals aged 70 or older carry these mutations, which can increase the risk of blood cancers such as leukemia, as well as cardiovascular issues including coronary heart disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

In the study, researchers examined blood samples collected at multiple points from participants in the LoDoCo2 trial, which previously demonstrated that 0.5 mg of colchicine daily reduced cardiovascular events by 31% in people with chronic coronary disease. The analysis focused on whether colchicine affects the progression of CH. Results showed that those on colchicine experienced a non-significant 6.3% annual increase in overall mutated CH cells, compared to a 14.9% increase in the placebo group. Significantly, growth of TET2 mutations was markedly reduced in the colchicine group, with a 9.1% annual increase versus 29.6% in the placebo.

"These findings are particularly important because larger CH clones are strongly linked to cardiovascular disease and cancer, especially TET2 mutations," explained Dr. Michael Honigberg from Massachusetts General Hospital. "Our study indicates that colchicine might benefit individuals with CH, particularly TET2 mutations, in reducing cardiovascular risk."

Additionally, another study presented at ESC Congress 2025 focused on older women (median age 80) from the Women's Health Initiative Long Life Study. The research found that specific CH subtypes, including TET2, ASXL1, and JAK2, were associated with future cardiovascular events, suggesting that the link between CH and CVD persists into advanced age.

"Clonal hematopoiesis connects aging, cardiovascular disease, and cancer," said Dr. Harlan Krumholz. "This research enhances our understanding of how genetic changes in blood cells influence disease processes and highlights potential avenues for prevention and therapy."

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-common-inflammation-drug-blood-mutation.html