PKG key to controlling blood pressure

A team of researchers at King's College in London have discovered a novel pathway in the treatment of high blood pressure. Their work focuses on protein kinase G, or PKG, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. Oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide create a link between two amino acids, which activate PKG and lowers blood pressure. The British Heart Foundation quickly pointed out that the illumination of this novel pathway points the way to new therapeutics that can be used against high blood pressure, a condition that afflicts one in four adults and has been tough to treat using existing therapies.

Needless to say, anyone who develops a drug that works the way these investigators envision would have a potential blockbuster on their hands. Their work also sheds new light on the role of oxidant stress on cells. Long thought of as primarily negative to human health, they also play important functions in maintaining good health.

- check out the BBC report for more info

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