Chinese scientists claim H7N9 treatment breakthrough (2/3)

Li Lanjuan, researcher at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a specialist in H7N9 prevention, addresses a press conference in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 6, 2014. A human blood protein has been found to be associated with the H7N9 fatality rate, according to a study by Chinese medical scientists. The study, published in Nature Communications on Tuesday, showed that blood plasma levels of angiotensin II are higher in H7N9 patients and could be used to predict their physical deterioration. Angiotensin II is a human protein contained in plasma, the vascular wall, heart and kidney to regulate blood pressure. It is closely linked to acute lung injury. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)