Melbourne scientists have unveiled a promising new therapy for organ damage caused by high blood pressure, potentially transforming treatment for millions of people. The collaborative research effort, spearheaded by Monash University and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, provides the first compelling evidence of the therapeutic potential of a novel small-molecule pro-resolving activator known as ‘compound17b’ (Cmpd17b).
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is notorious for its damaging effects on the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. Despite advancements in treatment, current therapies often fall short, leaving individuals at risk of serious complications such as enlarged hearts and weakened blood vessels. Addressing the underlying inflammation associated with hypertension is crucial to improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of organ damage.
Driven by this need, researchers from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) and the Baker Heart Institute embarked on a comprehensive investigation into the potential of Cmpd17b. This compound, previously shown by MIPS researchers to offer protection against heart attacks, was examined for its ability to mitigate hypertension-induced end-organ damage.
The team’s extensive research involved both animal and human studies, and the findings are groundbreaking. Cmpd17b activates the formyl peptide receptor (FPR) family, known for its critical role in regulating inflammation. Through this mechanism, Cmpd17b emerges as a potent therapeutic agent capable of protecting vital organs from the detrimental effects of high blood pressure.
Jaideep Singh, co-first author on the Cardiovascular Research study and MIPS PhD candidate, expressed the team’s enthusiasm about the discovery. Singh highlighted that organ damage is a significant pathological feature of hypertension, leading to considerable morbidity and mortality. Current hypertension treatments are limited in addressing end-organ damage, underscoring the necessity of new therapeutic approaches.
“Our team has shown, for the first time, that Cmpd17b not only normalises the structure and function of heart and blood vessels in hypertensive mice but also exhibits a clear correlation with human hypertension. This suggests that Cmpd17b might be effective in clinical settings as well,” Singh stated.
Professor Geoff Head AM, a senior author on the study and Head of the Neuropharmacology Laboratory at the Baker Institute, likened FPRs to bodyguards that control inflammation, a significant issue in high blood pressure. He emphasised the exciting potential of Cmpd17b to prevent and treat the organ damage caused by hypertension.
Dr Chengxue Helena Qin, corresponding author on the study, MIPS lab head, and National Heart Foundation Future Fellow, revealed that the study demonstrated significant changes in the proteins and pathways in the hearts and blood vessels of mice with high blood pressure. Dr Qin noted that Cmpd17b could reverse some of these changes, improving heart and blood vessel health. This suggests that similar treatments might be effective in people with high blood pressure.
“Using medications like Cmpd17b could represent a new approach to treating the complications of high blood pressure, potentially reversing damage to organs like the heart and blood vessels. Combining Cmpd17b with existing treatments could yield even better results in managing cardiovascular problems related to hypertension,” Dr Qin explained.
The research was partly funded by the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the Australian Medical Research Future Fund, the NHMRC Ideas grants, and the Victorian Government of Australia’s Operational Infrastructure Support Program. The collaborative nature of this study underscores the importance of continued investment in medical research to tackle the pervasive issue of hypertension and its associated complications.
The discovery of Cmpd17b’s potential to treat hypertension-induced organ damage is a significant breakthrough. This novel therapy offers hope for improved treatment outcomes for those affected by high blood pressure, reducing the risk of severe complications and enhancing overall health. The findings not only highlight the importance of addressing inflammation in hypertension treatment but also pave the way for future clinical applications that could revolutionise the management of this widespread condition.