Urolithin A improves heart failure relaxation

Researchers at King s College London discovered that urolithin A, a natural compound produced in the body after eating pomegranates, walnuts, and certain berries, can improve heart function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The study, published in Science Advances, found that urolithin A activates the PKGIα protein via a novel mechanism, improving heart muscle relaxation, reducing fibrosis, and preventing harmful heart enlargement. In animal models, treatment improved heart function by up to 80%. Results were also observed in engineered human heart tissue. The compound has a favorable safety profile from prior human studies. The research was funded by the British Heart Foundation. While promising, the findings are early-stage and require clinical trials in humans. The study was led by Dr. Joseph Burgoyne, with commentary from Professor James Leiper of the British Heart Foundation.