A biochemist from New Brunswick has uncovered a surprising similarity between fish and humans, shedding new light on heart health promotion. Tyson MacCormack, a professor specializing in chemistry and biochemistry at Mount Allison University, has revealed the crucial role of taurine, an amino acid, in aiding fish to withstand harsh conditions.
During his research on cuttlefish in Portugal, MacCormack observed high levels of taurine in their bloodstreams and hearts, which appeared to safeguard their hearts from adverse effects like elevated calcium levels. This protection mechanism allowed the cuttlefish to effectively regulate their heart muscle volume, essential for efficient blood circulation.
In contrast, humans possess lower amounts of taurine in their hearts, primarily sourced from consuming fish and red meat. Intrigued by this discovery, MacCormack initiated experiments on New Brunswick-native fish, like brook trout, to explore the implications for human heart health. By manipulating the fish’s diet and monitoring their heart rate using swim tunnel respirometers, MacCormack delved deeper into the significance of taurine concentration in heart function.
MacCormack’s findings suggest that even minor alterations in diet, particularly in protein and amino acid intake, can impact heart health outcomes in humans. By understanding how taurine is transported to the heart via specific proteins, the research team aims to develop dietary guidelines to enhance heart health and potentially introduce a taurine supplement for individuals with dietary limitations.
Funded by various organizations including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick, the research project aims to advance understanding through non-invasive studies on rodents. By manipulating diets and observing behavioral changes, the team seeks to validate their findings and explore potential applications in mitigating heart-related issues.
Moreover, the research also offers insights into aiding fish adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as rising water temperatures due to climate change. By developing a specialized feed formulation, the aquaculture industry could potentially enhance the resilience of cultured fish to survive environmental stressors, like heat waves.