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Oxygen treatment decreased cell activity but failed to enhance metabolic function in patients with diabetes
Researchers at the University of Missouri are exploring potential therapies targeting specific cells linked to cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Their latest investigation sheds light on a cluster of chemoreceptor cells near the carotid artery in the neck, which, when overactive, may contribute significantly to these conditions.
Chemoreceptors, cells that detect oxygen levels in the body, have been found to play a crucial role in regulating cardiovascular health. Overactivity in these cells has been strongly linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. As such, researchers are investigating whether manipulating oxygen levels could influence chemoreceptor activity, offering a new avenue for improving both cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Investigating Hyperoxia as a Therapy
Dr. Jacqueline Limberg, an associate professor of nutrition and exercise physiology and the first author of the study, explains that previous animal studies have shown promise in removing these chemoreceptors to address issues like high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar. However, before considering more invasive treatments in humans, the research team hypothesized that exposing the body to high doses of oxygen—known as hyperoxia—might reduce or “shut off” the overactive chemoreceptors, potentially improving health outcomes.
The study involved two groups: 17 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 20 healthy participants as a control. The team found that the peripheral chemoreceptors were indeed overactive in individuals with diabetes, and those with the highest levels of blood sugar exhibited the most intense chemoreceptor activity. After exposure to hyperoxia, the researchers observed a decrease in chemoreceptor activity, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate across both groups. However, these changes did not differ between the two groups, and importantly, there was no improvement in glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity.
Implications and Future Directions
Camila Manrique-Acevedo, a co-author of the study and professor of medicine, highlights that the goal was to understand the impact of peripheral chemoreceptors on the cardiovascular and metabolic consequences of type 2 diabetes. While the study showed that a single session of hyperoxia did not lead to immediate improvements in metabolic function, it provided valuable insight into the complexity of the condition. This knowledge will guide researchers toward other potential therapies that may offer more effective solutions for patients with type 2 diabetes.
The study, titled “Role of the peripheral chemoreceptors in cardiovascular and metabolic control in type 2 diabetes,” was published on August 28, 2024, in The Journal of Physiology. For more information, visit DOI: 10.1113/JP286975.
