High blood pressure is a widespread health problem worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1.4 billion adults live with elevated blood pressure, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Being overweight is a known risk factor, but the precise biological mechanisms are still under investigation.
Experiments with mice
In a new study published in the journal Science, researchers used mice to examine the role of fat tissue in blood pressure regulation.
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The mice were genetically modified so that they could not produce beige fat.
This type of fat differs from ordinary white fat in that it burns energy rather than storing it.
The aim was to determine whether the absence of beige fat could affect the body in ways other than through weight and metabolism.
The experiment focused in particular on the blood vessels.
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Changes in the blood vessels
The researchers found that mice without beige fat developed higher blood pressure.
At the same time, their blood vessels became stiffer, and the fat tissue surrounding the vessels began to resemble white fat.
It is known that white fat can produce substances that negatively affect blood pressure.
An enzyme called QSOX1 played a central role in the experiment. When the enzyme was produced in larger amounts, it was associated with changes in the blood vessels and elevated blood pressure.
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Further studies
The results suggest that beige fat may have a protective effect on the blood vessels. However, it is important to emphasize that the study was conducted in mice.
Researchers and external experts point out that more studies are needed before it can be determined whether the same applies to humans.
Nevertheless, the study shows that fat tissue may play a greater role in the regulation of blood pressure than previously thought.
Sources: Medical News Today, World Health Organization, and Science.
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