Pulmonary hypertension affects about 1% of the world’s population and currently has no cure. However, new research suggests that dietary changes limiting the amino acids glutamine and serine may help slow disease progression and improve the effectiveness of current medications. Researchers have found that cells in the lung blood vessels of individuals with pulmonary hypertension have a heightened need for these amino acids to produce collagen and stiffen the blood vessels. By reducing the availability of glutamine and serine, researchers were able to decrease collagen production, vessel stiffening, and disease progression in a mouse model.
In addition to the potential benefits of dietary interventions, the researchers have also developed a new noninvasive diagnostic test for pulmonary hypertension using positron emission tomography (PET) scan technology and a glutamine imaging tracer. This test allows doctors to track the movement of glutamine in the body and identify cells that are “hungry” for this amino acid, aiding in early and accurate diagnosis of the condition. Traditional diagnostic methods for pulmonary hypertension involve invasive tests, which may not always be accessible in all medical centers.
While the findings of the study are promising, the researchers caution against over-interpreting the results and emphasize the need for further research to determine the optimal level of amino acid restriction for therapeutic effect. They also stress that complete elimination of glutamine and serine from the diet, as done in the mouse study, is not feasible or recommended for humans. However, the study opens up a new potential avenue for managing pulmonary hypertension through dietary adjustments, in addition to medications and other treatments.
Other experts in the field, such as cardiologist Cheng-Han Chen, acknowledge the potential of dietary interventions in improving pulmonary hypertension outcomes but emphasize the importance of conducting clinical studies in human subjects to validate the findings. Registered dietitian nutritionist Monique Richard highlights the role of amino acids as building blocks of protein and points out the importance of assessing overall diet composition and lifestyle factors in managing conditions like pulmonary hypertension.
In conclusion, the study offers a novel approach to treating pulmonary hypertension by targeting specific amino acids through dietary adjustments. While further research is needed to establish the optimal dietary recommendations for individuals with the condition, the findings provide hope for new therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes and quality of life for those living with pulmonary hypertension.
