Disordered Gut Microbiome and Alterations in Metabolic Patterns Are Associated With Hypertensive Left Ventricular...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Metabolomics
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a common complication of hypertension and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events.
• While animal models suggest a role for gut microbiota in LVH development, human population data are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in gut microbiota and metabolites in patients with hypertension and hypertensive LVH.
• To identify correlations between specific gut bacteria, metabolites, and left ventricular mass index (LVMI).

Main Methods:

• 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomic analyses were performed on stool and serum samples from 30 hypertensive patients, 30 with hypertensive LVH, and 30 controls.
• Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson's χ2, Fisher's exact test, and regression and Spearman correlation analyses.
• A total of 1141 serum and 2657 fecal metabolites were identified.

Main Results:

• LVH was positively correlated with specific gut bacteria, including *Faecalitalea*, *Turicibacter*, *Ruminococcus torques* group, and *Erysipelotrichaceae* UCG-003.
• Significant alterations in metabolic pathways, particularly bile acid and lipid metabolism, were observed in LVH patients.
• A sex-specific association was found between metabolites and LVMI.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates disordered gut microbiota and microbial metabolite profiles in LVH patients.
• These findings highlight the role of gut bacteria and metabolites in the pathogenesis of LVH.
• This research may pave the way for novel interventions, diagnostics, or management strategies for LVH.