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Oxygen Manipulation as a Therapeutic Strategy for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders
At the University of Missouri, researchers are investigating novel therapeutic approaches aimed at specific cell types associated with the onset of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
A recent study centered on a group of chemoreceptor cells located near the carotid artery in the neck. The researchers identified that hyperactivity of these cells can serve as an indicator for cardiovascular-related ailments and increased risk of mortality.
These chemoreceptors play a crucial role in sensing oxygen levels in the bloodstream, prompting the researchers to explore whether altering oxygen concentrations might mitigate chemoreceptor overactivity and subsequently influence cardiovascular and metabolic health.
“Exciting preliminary findings in rodent models suggest that the removal of these overactive chemoreceptors can lead to improvements in conditions such as high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels,” stated Jacqueline Limberg, the study’s lead author and an associate professor of nutrition and exercise physiology. “Rather than considering their complete removal in human patients, we hypothesized that administering high doses of oxygen might effectively reduce or even ‘shut off’ the activity of these chemoreceptors, ultimately enhancing health outcomes.”
The study involved two groups: 17 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and a control group of 20 individuals without the condition. The results indicated that the peripheral chemoreceptors were notably more active in the diabetic group, with activity levels correlating closely with higher blood sugar readings.
Upon exposure to hyperoxia, a condition characterized by elevated oxygen levels, there was a significant decline in the activity of the chemoreceptors, along with observable reductions in heart rate, blood pressure, and the frequency of breaths per minute. Notably, the effects were consistent across both groups, and no significant changes were recorded in terms of glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity.
“This study aimed to unravel the relationships between peripheral chemoreceptor activity and the metabolic and cardiovascular implications of type 2 diabetes,” said co-author Camila Manrique-Acevedo, a professor of medicine. “Our findings suggest that a single session of hyperoxia does not lead to immediate functional improvement. This insight allows us to pivot toward other therapeutic avenues that may provide better outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes.”
Jacqueline Limberg, PhD, occupies a position as an associate professor in nutrition and exercise physiology within the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Meanwhile, Camila Manrique-Acevedo, MD, is a distinguished professor of medicine and the Thomas W. Burns, MD, Distinguished Professor in Diabetes at the School of Medicine, in addition to being a NextGen Precision Health investigator.
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