Scientists from the University of Toledo (UToledo) have shown that modified gut bacteria that produce the ACE2 protein can lower blood pressure. The research was published in the journal Pharmacological Research.
Biologists tested on mice Lactobacillus paracaseiIt is a beneficial gut bacteria that has been specially modified to produce a protein called ACE2. The animals failed to produce ACE2 and were prone to hypertension.
The ACE2 protein plays a key role in the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into cells. It also regulates the renin-angiotensin system, which is responsible for controlling blood pressure in many species, including humans.
Rats treated with the modified bacteria showed increased levels of ACE2 protein in their intestines; This led to a decrease in the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that increases blood pressure in part by constricting blood vessels. However, despite similar ACE2 levels in males and females, the decrease in blood pressure was observed only in female rats. Despite the different results in male and female rats, the findings represent an important step between theory and practical application of gut microbiome bacteria in medicine. The authors hope their approach will help reduce the use of traditional medications for hypertension. In the future, this concept may be applied to other diseases.
Uncontrolled blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
“So far we have said that changes in the microbiota play a role in high blood pressure or hypertension. But now, for the first time, we have shown that we can actually use the microbiota to improve health,” the scientists stated.
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