Revolution in cardiology: a new method to combat blood pressure found

An international team of researchers has discovered a third hidden factor influencing the development of hypertension—the immune system. Scientists from Australia and Singapore tested the drug "compound 17b," which precisely activates receptors that resolve inflammation. In laboratory mice, it lowered blood pressure, reduced arterial stiffness, and prevented scarring of heart and kidney tissues. Human trials lie ahead.

An international team of researchers has discovered a third hidden factor directly influencing the development of arterial hypertension—the immune system. Traditional medicine focuses on nervous and hormonal regulation, but scientists from Australia and Singapore have proven the key role of inflammation resolution mechanisms. Chronic inflammation damages tissues and is linked to the work of nervous mechanisms, while conventional anti-inflammatory drugs suppress the entire immune system, which can even raise blood pressure. During experiments, an innovative drug called "compound 17b" was tested, which precisely activates natural receptors that end the inflammatory process. In test animals, the drug moderately lowered blood pressure, reduced the stiffness of the main artery, and prevented the formation of scar tissue in the heart and kidneys. The authors emphasize that the protective effect goes beyond simply lowering numbers on a blood pressure monitor. So far, tests have only been conducted on laboratory mice, with a long phase of human trials ahead. In the future, the drug could become a supplement to standard therapy for patients who do not respond to classic medications.