Researchers discovered that certain blood proteins can not only reflect the body’s condition in real time but also unveil new prospects for treating cardiovascular ailments and diabetes. Unlike genetic tests, which only reveal inborn risks, analyzing proteins allows observation of current bodily processes, ranging from energy metabolism to the initial signs of illness.
A recent study, published in the journal Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine, demonstrated that the levels of some vital proteins in the blood are closely linked to heart function and can be employed to predict diseases and select more tailored therapeutic methods. The research was headed by Dr. Catherine McGurk from the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, where she contributes to computational cardiovascular imaging and precision medicine teams.
The scientists examined more than 45,000 blood samples from the UK Biobank—one of the largest repositories of medical research data in the UK. They assessed the concentration of nine proteins crucial for heart wellness, including ACE2, BNP, NT-proBNP, and Troponin I. These proteins participate in regulating blood pressure, safeguarding the cardiac muscle, and lessening its strain.
The findings indicated that protein concentrations vary based on age, sex, lifestyle, medication intake, and genetic background, substantiating the necessity for a personalized treatment approach.
The researchers paid special attention to the ACE2 protein, made widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic as the virus’s “entry” receptor. However, ACE2 holds a vital function in the cardiovascular system: it cleaves Angiotensin II, a substance that causes vessel constriction, thereby promoting their relaxation. This mechanism aids in lowering blood pressure.
Elevated ACE2 levels were observed in individuals with hypertension and type 2 diabetes, particularly women. Scientists theorize this might represent the body’s innate protective response aimed at counteracting increased pressure and glucose metabolism disruption.
This discovery holds significant therapeutic potential. Presently, ACE inhibitors, which block ACE1 (a protein contributing to vessel narrowing), are utilized for hypertension management. Meanwhile, ACE2 acts in opposition, relaxing blood vessels; thus, the equilibrium between these two proteins could determine treatment effectiveness.
Furthermore, the direct application of ACE2 as a therapeutic agent is being considered. Animal experiments have suggested that metformin, commonly used for diabetes, can elevate ACE2 levels. If these outcomes are validated in humans, it would pave the way for novel treatments for hypertension and diabetes with potentially fewer adverse effects.
Dr. McGurk emphasized that this research illustrates how leveraging big data and advanced analytical techniques can assist in identifying disease biomarkers and devising more precise and safer treatment strategies.
About the Author
