A Paradigm Shift – Scientists Use Engineered Bacteria To Lower Blood Pressure

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A Revolutionary Development: Engineered Microorganisms Shown to Mitigate Hypertension

Researchers at The University of Toledo have successfully indicated that bioengineered bacteria can be employed to decrease high blood pressure, signaling potential advances in hypertension therapies through manipulation of the human microbiome.

This groundbreaking research, recently featured in the esteemed academic journal Pharmacological Research, has been described as a sea change in the field by Dr. Bina Joe, the principal investigator of the hypertension research at The University of Toledo and the senior author of the study.

“Traditionally, the scientific community has understood that variations in microbiota may contribute to elevated blood pressure, but these findings, although significant, lacked immediate practical application,” stated Dr. Joe. “This is the inaugural demonstration that microbiota can indeed be engineered to produce substances that have a tangible impact on one’s well-being.”

The Importance of Gut Microflora in Regulating Blood Pressure

Dr. Joe, a Distinguished University Professor and head of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, is at the forefront of research exploring the interplay between gut bacteria and blood pressure modulation.

In this recent study, Dr. Joe and her research group experimented with Lactobacillus paracasei, a beneficial bacterium commonly found in the gut. The bacterium was genetically altered to produce a protein known as ACE2 in laboratory rats predisposed to hypertension.

The Relevance of ACE2 Protein in Blood Pressure Management

ACE2 has received heightened scrutiny lately due to its role as a significant receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19. However, this protein also plays a critical role in counteracting the renin-angiotensin system, which generates angiotensin II, a hormone known to elevate blood pressure by various mechanisms, such as blood vessel constriction.

By administering this genetically modified Lactobacillus paracasei as a probiotic, the research team succeeded in introducing human ACE2 into the gastrointestinal tracts of the rats, thereby diminishing angiotensin II levels and consequently reducing blood pressure.

Interestingly, this decline in blood pressure was observed solely in female rats. While researchers have yet to ascertain why this gender-specific effect occurs, Dr. Joe hypothesizes that it may be linked to the females having two functional copies of the ACE2 gene.

The Future of Microbiome-Based Medicine

“This study is more than mere theoretical discussion; it serves as a stepping stone to translate the idea of utilizing bacteria for treating hypertension into clinical practice,” Dr. Joe mentioned.

According to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of the adult population in the U.S. suffers from hypertension, with only a quarter managing to keep their blood pressure under control. Though usually asymptomatic, uncontrolled blood pressure is a considerable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and renal failure.

As this groundbreaking research from The University of Toledo signifies, the potential for leveraging gut microbiota for therapeutic benefit is considerable. Further studies are underway to explore the implications of introducing ACE2-producing bacteria in organisms that already generate the protein naturally, as well as any potential side effects.

Dr. Joe concluded, “We now have empirical evidence that it is indeed feasible to use bacteria for rectifying hypertension. This concept may even be extended to other maladies, such as blood glucose imbalances. Several questions remain, but the proof of concept is established.”

Reference

The study titled “Genetically engineered Lactobacillus paracasei rescues colonic angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and attenuates hypertension in female Ace2 knock out rats” was authored by Xue Mei, Blair Mell, Sachin Aryal, Ishan Manandhar, Ramakumar Tummala, Jasenka Zubcevic, Khanh Lai, Tao Yang, Qiuhong Li, Beng San Yeoh, and Bina Joe, and was published on 14 September 2023 in Pharmacological Research. DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106920.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about engineered bacteria for hypertension treatment

What is the main finding of the research conducted at The University of Toledo?

The primary discovery is that bioengineered bacteria can effectively lower blood pressure. This indicates potential new avenues for hypertension treatment through manipulation of the human microbiome.

Who led the research team for this study?

Dr. Bina Joe, a Distinguished University Professor and head of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, led the research team.

Which academic journal published the study?

The research was published in the esteemed academic journal Pharmacological Research.

What role does the ACE2 protein play in this research?

The ACE2 protein acts as a negative regulator of the renin-angiotensin system, which generates angiotensin II—a hormone that elevates blood pressure. The engineered bacteria were designed to produce ACE2.

What kind of bacteria was engineered for the study?

Lactobacillus paracasei, a beneficial gut bacterium, was genetically modified to produce the ACE2 protein.

Were the effects of the engineered bacteria gender-specific?

Yes, the blood-pressure-lowering effects were observed only in female rats. Researchers speculate that this could be due to females having two functional copies of the ACE2 gene.

What are the future implications of this study?

The findings represent a significant step towards translating the concept of utilizing bacteria for treating hypertension into clinical practice. It also opens up possibilities for microbiome-based medicine for various other chronic conditions.

How prevalent is hypertension among U.S. adults according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention?

Nearly half of U.S. adults suffer from hypertension, and only about one in four of those have their blood pressure under control.

Are there plans for further research?

Yes, additional research is needed to explore the implications of introducing ACE2-producing bacteria in organisms that already produce the protein naturally and to identify any potential side effects.

What is the title of the study and when was it published?

The study is titled “Genetically engineered Lactobacillus paracasei rescues colonic angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and attenuates hypertension in female Ace2 knock out rats.” It was published on 14 September 2023.