Research from King’s College London indicates that urolithin A, a compound derived from pomegranate, can significantly enhance heart function in mouse models with heart failure. The study reports improvements of up to 80% in heart function measurements for mice treated with urolithin A compared to those receiving no treatment.
The findings, published in Science Advances and supported by the British Heart Foundation, suggest that urolithin A activates a protein that is crucial for heart health. This condition, known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), is characterized by a heart that pumps normally but struggles to relax between beats, a challenge that currently has limited treatment options.
Joseph Burgoyne, a cardiovascular scientist and senior author of the study, expressed optimism about these findings, saying, “This raises the exciting possibility of developing new treatments that improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for people living with the condition.” He noted that while the results are promising, they are based on animal models and engineered human heart tissue, highlighting the need for further research.
The study demonstrated that urolithin A reduced scarring in the hearts of the affected mice and improved their ability to relax, ultimately reducing pressure buildup that can lead to serious complications. In lab tests with human heart tissue, urolithin A also improved the contraction and relaxation of the tissue, likely by activating the PKGIα protein associated with blood pressure regulation and heart relaxation.
Despite these encouraging results, the research focused exclusively on male mice, whereas HFpEF affects women more frequently than men. Burgoyne acknowledged that further studies are necessary to understand the sex-dependent biological responses in heart function. He indicated that clinical trials involving diverse human participants are needed to assess the efficacy of urolithin A in treating human patients.
James Leiper, Director of Research at the British Heart Foundation, cautioned that while the study’s findings are promising, they have yet to be confirmed in human clinical trials. He emphasized the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables for maintaining heart health, reiterating that no single food can prevent or treat heart disease alone.
The implications of this research could significantly impact treatment approaches for HFpEF, particularly as the condition becomes more prevalent with aging populations facing rising obesity and diabetes rates.
