Research Finding a Possible Precursor to New Hypertension Drugs

Findings from research into the biological compounds which naturally help to regulate blood pressure could be a precursor to the development of a new kind of hypertension drugs.

University of California, San Diego scientists published a paper in the journal Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, which detailed the potentially important discoveries.

The academics analysed the structure of the catestatin peptide which regulates cardiac function plays a role in the natural lowering of blood pressure.

A study published in Cardiovascular Research by Nihar R Mahapatra showed that plasma levels of the substance are depleted in hypertension patients, "indicating its role in the pathogenesis".

Researchers compared a 3D model of the peptide against a library of compounds to determine whether any were comparable, indicating similar clinical application.

Those identified were tested in the laboratory, and proved effective in lowering high blood pressure — these molecules could therefore lead the way for the creation of new drugs.

Dr Valentina Kouznetsova said: "Further refinement of our model should lead to the synthesis and development of a novel class of antihypertensive agents."