The Hungry Blood Vessels of Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is a chronic lung disease characterized by the hardening of blood vessels in the lungs. This stiffening restricts blood flow, leading to heart failure and ultimately death. The cause of this organ-specific stiffening has remained a mystery until now.
the blood vessel cells in pulmonary hypertension patients are "hungry" for two specific amino acids, glutamine and serine. These amino acids are the building blocks of collagen, a protein that provides structural support to our tissues.
The researchers found that hypertensive pulmonary blood vessels metabolize glutamine and serine to create proline and glycine, the primary building blocks of collagen. This increased collagen production leads to the stiffening and impaired function of blood vessels, the hallmark of pulmonary hypertension.
Using rodent models, the researchers demonstrated that drugs that limit the uptake of glutamine and serine can reduce collagen production and improve blood vessel function. They also found that reducing dietary intake of glutamine- and serine-rich foods can have a similar effect.
This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating pulmonary hypertension. In addition to medication and transplantation, dietary interventions may offer an effective way to manage the disease. Patients with pulmonary hypertension may benefit from avoiding foods rich in serine and glutamine or consuming foods with these amino acids depleted.
This research highlights the importance of understanding the specific metabolic needs of diseased cells. By targeting these needs, we can develop more effective and personalized treatments for a variety of diseases.