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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 29, 2014 7:49 PM IST
A new research has revealed that a team of researchers have discovered a new therapeutic approach to cure pulmonary hypertension. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim and Giessen University have discovered that transcription factor FoxO1 regulates the division of cells and plays a key role in the development of pulmonary hypertension.
The researchers were able to cure pulmonary hypertension, which is characterised by uncontrolled division of cells in the blood vessel walls that results in the walls getting increasingly thick, in rats by activating FoxO1 and the study findings could be used to develop a new treatment for this hitherto incurable disease. (Read: The CAR peptide can selectively target and treat pulmonary arterial hypertension)
The disease is characterised by progressive narrowing of the pulmonary arteries as the reduced diameter of the vessels leads to poor perfusion, for which the right ventricle tries to compensate by increasing its pumping action. This, in turn, increases the blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries and in the course of time, chronic overload damages the heart, resulting in cardiac insufficiency, also known as congestive heart failure. (Read: 10 diet tips for hypertension)
Several forms of treatment developed in recent years aim mainly to alleviate the symptoms and relieve strain on the heart and pulmonary hypertension, however, is still incurable, not least of all due to insufficient knowledge of what causes the disease at the molecular level. In transcription factor FoxO1 they have identified a key molecule that plays a decisive role in the regulation of cell division in vascular wall cells and the lifespan of the cells. (Read: Key protein lowering bad lipids may treat pulmonary hypertension)
Here are some tasty fruits to beat hypertension
Citrus fruits Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, etc are full of phytonutrients and bioflavonoids along with possessing high levels of potassium, vitamin and dietary fibre. These fruits not only exert anti-inflammatory effect but also help in lowering cholesterol levels as well as high blood pressure levels.
Papaya This fruit not only contains good quantities of potassium and magnesium but is also rich in flavonoids, which quantitatively result in decreasing your hypertension.
Here are some healthy Veggies for hypertensives
Potatoes Potatoes as well as sweet potatoes are low in sodium content and high in potassium making them a perfect food for reducing the raised blood pressure levels. Also, magnesium present in good quantities helps in promoting proper blood flow and maintenance of proper mineral balance in the body.
Leafy veggies Many dark green and leafy veggies like spinach, lettuce and spring greens are found to be high in magnesium, dietary fibre and potassium; which act collectively in maintaining blood pressure levels to normal. Read more about 10 fruits and vegetables that are good for people with hypertension
