[Science Saw] – In a novel study, scientists have discovered a potential cure for high blood pressure in a reptile.
Highlights:
- Scientists uncovered a groundbreaking use for snake venom: a potential treatment for high blood pressure.
- The researchers explored the venom of two snake species: the lancehead pit viper Cotiara and the South American bushmaster.
- Among the venom components, they found Bc-7a, resembling existing blood pressure drugs, offering a promising path for treatment.
- They identified 197 unique components, a significant increase aided by technological advancements, akin to upgrading detective tools.
- The Lm-10a peptide from the South American bushmaster venom not only inhibits ACE but also holds promise for treating blood pressure.
Scientists in Brazil have stumbled upon something pretty incredible. They have found a potential way to make medicine for high blood pressure, and guess where they found it? In the venom of snakes. Yeah, you read that right.
These researchers from São Paulo had the support of a foundation called FAPESP, and they went on a cool adventure to discover something amazing.
They looked at the venom of two kinds of snakes: the lancehead pit viper Cotiara and the South American bushmaster. And guess what? They found some special things hidden inside the venom that could help make medicine.
The head scientist Alexandre Tashima, was totally amazed. He said, “Even with so much we already know, there are still new things waiting to be found, like these surprising parts hidden in known proteins.”
Okay, so here is the interesting part:
In the venom of the lancehead pit viper, they found something called Bc-7a. It is a part of a protein that usually makes the snake’s prey bleed, but guess what?
In terms of what it does, it is similar to the stuff in medicines that lower blood pressure.
And that is a big deal because many of the medicines we have now for blood pressure have some not-so-great side effects, like making you cough, feel dizzy or have high levels of potassium in your blood.
They found a bunch of these special things [Bc-7a]—197 of them. That is like finding hidden treasure, right? And get this: in 2012, they found only 73 of these special things.
So, their technology got a lot better and smarter and now they can find these special parts faster and easier. It is like having better detective tools for finding clues in a mystery.
Then, in the venom of the South American bushmaster, they found something else cool. It’s called Lm-10a, and it not only helps with blood pressure but also has the potential to treat blood pressure issues.
They think both this Lm-10a and the Bc-7a from the other snake come from how the venom changes over time, like when the snakes grow and develop.
But wait, there’s more to uncover. Tashima said that even though they found these amazing things, there is still a lot left to discover.
These snakes and their venom have secrets that could help make even better medicines, but there is a need to keep studying and learning about them.
Some of these snakes might disappear before one even gets the chance to understand them properly.
So, these discoveries are like finding puzzle pieces. We’ve found a few, but there’s a whole puzzle out there waiting to be solved.
And who knows, maybe these snakes have even more secrets that could help make better medicines in the future.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health issue where the pressure in your arteries is too high.
It’s called a “silent killer” because you might not feel any symptoms, but it can lead to serious problems like heart disease, stroke and kidney issues.
To keep your blood pressure in check, it’s important to know what can cause it.
While genetics can be a factor, lifestyle choices like eating unhealthy foods, not exercising enough, being overweight, drinking too much alcohol and smoking can all raise your blood pressure.
Also, conditions like diabetes and kidney problems can make it go up too.
Ways to Prevent High Blood Pressure
These are some practical tips to steer clear of it:
Let me say this at the top: eat more fruits, veggies, lean proteins and low-fat dairy. More importantly, cut back on salty, processed, fatty, and sugary foods to keep your blood pressure in check.
Doing the above without physical exercise might not be that effective. So, break a sweat regularly with exercises you enjoy.
Shoot for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (think brisk walking) or 75 minutes of intense workouts each week. It’s not just about staying fit; it helps with stress and keeps your heart happy.
Watch Your Weight: Keeping a healthy weight is crucial. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you maintain it. Even shedding a few pounds can make a noticeable difference in your blood pressure.
While life may include socializing, keep an eye on your alcohol intake. Limit it to one drink a day if you are a woman and two if you are a man. Too much can send your blood pressure soaring.
Please, smoking is no friend to your blood vessels or blood pressure. Quitting is a tough but crucial move. Also, steer clear of secondhand smoke to protect your heart.
Life can be stressful, but chronic stress isn’t great for your blood pressure. Find stress-busting activities like meditation, yoga or even a hobby to keep your cool.
Check Your Numbers: Keep tabs on your blood pressure, especially if high blood pressure runs in your family. Catching any issues early gives you a head start on managing them.
More so, social life can mess with your sleep. Aim for quality sleep by sticking to a routine and creating a relaxing bedtime ritual.
Caffeine Check: Keep an eye on your caffeine intake. While your daily coffee fix is fine, too much might have an impact. Balance is key.
Note: If you are dealing with conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol, stick to your treatment plan. Proper management can be a shield against high blood pressure.
These lifestyle tweaks can make a big difference in steering clear of high blood pressure and keeping your heart in top shape. Remember, for personalized advice, always consult a healthcare professional.
However, the research above not only sheds light on the untapped potential of snake venom but also underscores the ongoing importance of exploring nature’s mysteries for potential breakthroughs in medicine.
The journey to harnessing these peptides for widespread medical use is ongoing, and scientists are optimistic about the possibilities they may unlock in the circle of blood pressure control.
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