New Research Suggests Dietary Shifts Can Help Combat Pulmonary Hypertension

A study has revealed a diet that can slow the progression of pulmonary hypertension.

The study, published in Cell Metabolism, suggests that a diet limiting glutamine and serine could potentially slow the progression of pulmonary hypertension and enhance the effects of medication.

Pulmonary hypertension occurs when blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries, veins, and capillaries increases, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting. This condition can notably strain the right ventricle and atrium of the heart through reverse pressure transmission, potentially causing long-term heart issues.

Experts estimate that about 1% of the global population suffers from pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension can be treated through surgery, medication, and lifestyle changes, but there is currently no known cure. Reports indicate that the mortality rate within 5 to 8 years of diagnosis can reach up to 50%.

The researchers found that fibroblast cells in the blood vessels of pulmonary hypertension patients experience a shortage of glutamine and serine. They explained that this deficiency promotes the formation and accumulation of collagen inside and outside the blood vessels, leading to vessel hardening. They suggested that blocking the supply of these amino acids or inhibiting the collagen synthesis process could prevent vascular hardening and worsening pulmonary hypertension.

The research team conducted an experiment using a mouse model and reported that administering drugs that reduce the cellular absorption of glutamine and serine in mice alleviated pulmonary hypertension. They concluded that a diet limiting these amino acids could slow the disease’s progression and enhance the effects of medication. However, experts emphasize that pulmonary hypertension is a complex disease with various causes and recommend that patients maintain a balanced and healthy diet. They also stressed the need for clinical trials involving humans to determine the effectiveness of such specific dietary therapies.