Researchers have found that dietary changes limiting the amino acids glutamine and serine may help slow the progression of pulmonary hypertension, a condition causing high blood pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs. This research, published in Cell Metabolism, also led to the development of a new noninvasive diagnostic test for pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension affects about 1% of the global population and currently has no cure, leading to a 50% mortality rate within 5 to 8 years of diagnosis. While treatment options exist to manage symptoms and prolong life, there is a clear need for more effective therapies.
The study, led by Dr. Stephen Y. Chan of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, focused on the amino acids glutamine and serine, which play a crucial role in collagen production in fibroblasts of the lung blood vessels in pulmonary hypertension. By limiting the cellular uptake of these amino acids in a mouse model, researchers were able to reduce collagen production, vessel stiffening, and disease progression in pulmonary hypertension. Additionally, the team developed a new diagnostic test using positron emission tomography (PET) scan technology to track glutamine distribution in the body, aiding in the diagnosis of the condition without the need for invasive procedures.
While the findings of the study offer hope for a new approach to treating pulmonary hypertension through dietary adjustments, Dr. Chan emphasized the need for further research to determine the feasibility and safety of such interventions in humans. He cautioned against extreme restriction of glutamine and serine in a normal human diet and recommended against attempting this at the present time. However, the study opens up a potential avenue for lifestyle interventions, in addition to medication and transplantation, in managing the disease and improving patient outcomes.
Cardiologist Dr. Cheng-Han Chen noted that the dietary approach to treating pulmonary hypertension offers a novel perspective on the disease, potentially leading to new targets for medication development. While acknowledging the need for clinical studies to validate the findings in humans, he advised patients to maintain a balanced, heart-healthy diet until further research is conducted. Additionally, registered dietitian Monique Richard emphasized the importance of personalized dietary recommendations based on individual needs and health conditions, as well as the role of overall lifestyle factors in influencing health outcomes.
In conclusion, the research on dietary adjustments limiting glutamine and serine intake as a potential treatment for pulmonary hypertension represents a significant advancement in the field. While further studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of such interventions in humans, the findings offer hope for new avenues of treatment and management strategies for this challenging condition. By focusing on the role of amino acids in collagen production and disease progression, researchers have opened up new possibilities for improving outcomes for patients living with pulmonary hypertension.
