Relationship between obesity, heart disease and hypertension

obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure (hypertension) are linked. But understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cause and effect becomes complicated. A new study from the University of Iowa identifies a protein within certain brain cells as a communication center for blood pressure control. And it suggests that abnormal activation of this protein may be a mechanism that links cardiovascular disease and obesity to high blood pressure. “Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. And hypertension is an important cardiovascular risk factor.” Says Kamal Rahmouni, UI associate professor of pharmacology and internal medicine and senior author of the study. “Our study identifies the protein called mTORC1 in the hypothalamus as a key player in blood pressure control. Targeting mTORC1 pathways may, therefore, be a promising strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors.” The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain that is responsible for maintaining the normal function of numerous body processes. Including blood pressure, body temperature, and glucose levels. Signaling from mTORC1 protein in the hypothalamus has previously been shown to affect food intake and body weight. The new study shows that the mTORC1 protein is activated by small molecules and hormones that are associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases. And this activation leads to increases in blood pressure.

Leucine

Leucine is an amino acid obtained from food, which is known to activate mTORC1. The researchers showed that activating UI mTORC1 in the brains of rats with leucine increased activity in the nerves that connect the brain to the kidney. An important organ in the control of blood pressure. The increase in nerve activity was accompanied by an increase in blood pressure. This finding may have direct clinical relevance since elevated leucine levels have been correlated with an increased risk of high blood pressure in patients with cardiovascular disease. “Our new study suggests a mechanism by which leucine in the blood may increase blood pressure.” Rahmouni says.

Leptin

Previous work has also suggested that mTORC1 is a leptin signaling hub. A hormone produced by fat cells. Which is involved in hypertension related to** obesity**. Rahmouni and his colleagues showed that leptin activates mTORC1 in a specific part. This causes increased nervous activity in the hypothalamus and an increase in blood pressure. These effects are blocked by inhibition of mTORC1 activation. “Our study shows that when this protein is activated or inhibited in a very specific way, it can cause drastic changes in blood pressure.” Rahmouni says. “Given the importance of this protein for blood pressure control, any abnormality in its activity can explain the hypertension associated with certain diseases. Such as obesity and cardiovascular disease.” Rahmouni and his team hope that uncovering the details of the pathways linking mTORC1 activation and high blood pressure may lead to better treatments for blood pressure in patients with cardiovascular disease and obesity.