Researchers suggest that dietary changes limiting the amino acids glutamine and serine may help slow disease progression in pulmonary hypertension, a condition that affects about 1% of the world’s population and currently has no cure. This new approach could also improve the effectiveness of current medications. The study, published in Cell Metabolism, found that reducing the intake of these amino acids could help prevent the production of excess collagen in the blood vessels of the lungs, ultimately improving their function. This research has also led to the development of a new noninvasive diagnostic test for pulmonary hypertension using PET imaging technology.
The study’s co-senior author, Dr. Stephen Y. Chan, explained that they observed diseased cells in pulmonary hypertension to have an increased demand for glutamine and serine for collagen production, which contributes to vessel stiffening in the disease. By restricting these amino acids in the diet or blocking their cellular uptake, researchers were able to reduce collagen production in mouse models of pulmonary hypertension. This finding highlights the potential for dietary interventions to be a viable treatment option for this condition, alongside traditional medication and surgical approaches. The newly developed PET-based diagnostic test offers a noninvasive alternative to the current invasive methods used to diagnose pulmonary hypertension, providing an important tool for early and accurate diagnosis.
While the study’s findings are promising, Dr. Chan cautioned against adopting a strict glutamine and serine-free diet at this stage, as it may not be feasible for humans. He suggested that further research is needed to determine the optimal level of amino acid restriction that could effectively treat pulmonary hypertension without causing negative side effects. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist, emphasized the importance of conducting clinical studies to validate the findings in humans before recommending any dietary changes based on this research. Meanwhile, registered dietitian nutritionist Monique Richard advised individuals concerned about their amino acid intake to seek personalized guidance from a healthcare professional to ensure a balanced and healthy diet that meets their specific needs.
Overall, the study’s findings offer a potential breakthrough in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension by targeting specific dietary modifications to slow disease progression and enhance the effectiveness of current treatment options. By addressing the underlying mechanism of collagen production in the blood vessels, this research presents a new approach to managing this challenging condition. While further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical practice, the study opens up the possibility of dietary interventions as a complementary strategy for improving outcomes in patients with pulmonary hypertension. The development of a noninvasive diagnostic test also represents a significant advancement in the early detection and management of this condition, providing hope for better outcomes for individuals living with pulmonary hypertension.