Antarctic waters may hold cure for heart disease

The waters of the Antarctic may hold a cure for heart disease, a researcher says.

Canterbury University researcher Victoria Metcalf plans to travel to Scott Base in October, to fish "Eskimo-style" for research subjects.

"We get on the sea ice, drill a hole and drop in a baited hook," Dr Metcalf, 32, told the Press newspaper today.

Fish samples would then be taken to Northeastern University in Boston next year where genetic filter technology would be used to study how the fish metabolised fat.

Antarctic fish used fat as their primary fuel, whereas humans used carbohydrates.

Dr Metcalf said her research could have some "very real medical spin-offs".

Her study would centre on whether Antarctic fish suffered from heart disease. She said very little was known about fat matabolism.

"What we know is it's really well linked to heart disease. Fat metabolism pathways are really complicated."

Any research on any vertebrates would be able to link in with humans and tell us more, Dr Metcalf said.

- NZPA