Microbiome and hypertension: where are we now?

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Cardiovascular Science
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Hypertension is a major global health issue, causing millions of deaths annually.
• It is a complex condition influenced by genetics and environmental factors, including the microbiome.
• Factors like diet, obesity, and stress also contribute to hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of the gut microbiome in hypertension pathogenesis.
• To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota for hypertension management.

Main Methods:

• Literature search of PubMed using keywords 'microbiome', 'microbiota', and 'hypertension' up to December 2018.
• Analysis of studies investigating the brain-gut axes, diet, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and inflammatory markers in relation to hypertension.
• Examination of microbial diversity and inflammatory cell differences in hypertensive patients.

Main Results:

• The gut microbiome impacts hypertension via brain-gut-bone marrow and brain-gut-kidney axes.
• Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate and butyrate show anti-inflammatory effects.
• Hypertensive patients exhibit reduced microbial richness and diversity, alongside altered circulating inflammatory cells.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiota plays a significant role in hypertension development.
• Treating gut dysbiosis could be a valuable adjunctive therapy for hypertension.
• Prebiotics and probiotics offer potential as tools to manage hypertension alongside conventional treatments.