The smell of rancid fat slow heartbeat

Researchers from Ruhr University of Bochum (Germany) found that the smell of rancid fat slows down and weakens the heart - said Basic Research in Cardiology Journal.

Olfactory receptors are located not only in the respiratory tract, but also in various tissues. They play an important role in influencing the behavior of the spermatozoa, cicatrization of wounds, and the isolation of serotonin apoptosis. Scientists from Bochum via genetic analysis searched for olfactory receptors in the heart muscle, and found that the most common OR51E1 receptor.

Targeted activation of this receptor pelargonic acid leads to a decrease in heart rate and contractile capacity of the myocardium. Analyses of human blood and epicardial adipose tissues showed that mid, fatty acids capable of attaching to receptor OR51E1 were there in sufficient concentration for receptor activation. The level of acid was elevated in the blood of diabetics.

In addition, German scientists were able to find an antagonist to this receptor - 2-ethylhexanoic acid which can inhibit the action of pelargonic acid. OR51E1 receptor antagonist may be a means to reduce the negative impact of mid, medium fatty acids on the heart. On the other hand, the receptor agonist - pelargonic acid can be used to treat tachycardia as, for example, when applied in the form of an ointment in the heart.