Ann Kuganathan, a fourth year PhD student in Dr. Joan Krepinsky’s lab, is researching the mechanisms behind hypertension in the hopes of developing novel treatment options for the condition. Her first scientific publication, “Follistatin lowers blood pressure and improves vascular structure and function in essential and secondary hypertension,” appeared in Hypertension Research in September.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most common health conditions, affecting 1 in 5 Canadians and over 1 billion people worldwide. Hypertension can also have serious health consequences, as it is a leading cause of death as well as a risk factor for many other cardiovascular diseases.
“Studying treatments for hypertension is an immense privilege and honour,” said Ann. “I have several members in my immediate and extended family with high blood pressure, and I am truly grateful to take part in research aimed at understanding the development of this condition.”
Ann Kuganathan, pictured in 2023 in the lab at St. Joe's.
Hypertension is a multifaceted condition; in other words, there are multiple mechanisms that can lead to its development. While there are some existing antihypertensive treatments available on the market right now, they often only target one aspect of hypertension and not others. As a result, treatment isn’t always effective.
One third of Canadians with hypertension have uncontrolled high blood pressure. This means that their high blood pressure persists even though they are already on two or more antihypertensive drugs, or they are experiencing detrimental side effects from these medications. Scientists like Ann are working hard to develop novel hypertension treatments to help fill in the gaps in these existing treatments so that more people with high blood pressure can effectively manage their symptoms and prevent complications.
Ann is investigating how a molecule known as follistatin can help lower blood pressure and potentially offer a new treatment option for hypertension. On September 19, 2024, her study focusing on this topic was published in Hypertension Research, a prestigious scientific journal. She summarizes the study as follows:
“Blood vessels are very important; they carry oxygen and nutrients that are needed by every organ in our body to function. In hypertension, blood vessels undergo dysfunction in their structure and their function. Our recent publication shows that follistatin helps the vessel relax better and contract less, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. Follistatin is unique because it is able to target multiple different pathways to improve vessel structure and function, which may better lower blood pressure in cases of uncontrolled hypertension.”
“Ann's work with follistatin is exciting and opens the door to thinking about treating high blood pressure in a very different way,” said Dr. Joan Krepinsky, Ann’s doctoral supervisor. “Not only does follistatin work differently from other blood pressure medications, but it does not need to be taken every day like other medications. This makes it easier for people to stick with the medication, and to gain the benefits of not only lower blood pressure, but lowering the risk of diseases we see with high blood pressure, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.”
Ann has been researching hypertension at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton since 2019. She notes the support she’s received from the St. Joe’s team has been instrumental in her studies.
“Alongside being an encouraging and friendly environment, St. Joe’s has also provided many opportunities for me to present my work and receive input,” Ann said. “During my master's program, I presented my research at Celebrate Research 2020 where I won top poster presentation. That was my first award as a graduate student, and it felt incredibly rewarding. It truly propelled me to work harder and engage in more opportunities to communicate my research.”
Ann also presented her work at St. Joe’s inaugural Research in Progress Rounds in 2022, where scientists from different fields and levels offered insights and suggestions into her ongoing research.
“We are fortunate to have Ann as part of our research team,” said Dr. Krepinsky. “She is not only highly motivated and dedicated to her research, but also a supportive colleague and excellent role model.”
Ann’s next steps in her research are to investigate the specific mechanisms by which follistatin affects blood pressure, particularly how it affects the fat tissue surrounding blood vessels. Throughout her research career, she plans to continue studying hypertension and novel treatments to address the one third of Canadians with high blood pressure whose conditions are uncontrolled.