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Modulating gut microbiota with SCFAs and high-fiber diets to mitigate PM2.5-induced hypertension in mice
Kaixin Yan1, Siyuan Wang2, Minjie Wang1
1Medical Research Center, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Cardiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Heart Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Exposure to PM2.5 is recognized to significantly impact the development of cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension, which has been recently attributed to an abnormal microenvironment characterized by disordered gut microbiota. Despite this recognition, the impacts of modulating gut microbiota with short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and high-fiber diets (HF) on mitigating PM2.5-induced hypertension remain unclear. Our study demonstrates that mice supplemented with SCFAs or a HF exhibit reduced blood pressure, improved vascular remodeling, and alleviated gastrointestinal tract damages compared to those exposed to PM2.5 alone. These dietary interventions altered the gut microbiota composition of PM2.5-exposed mice, including alpha-diversity, beta-diversity patterns, and enriched profiles of intestinal microbes such as Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Ruminococcaceae. Furthermore, SCFAs and HF modulated the fecal metabolome by increasing the abundance of metabolites like Bufalin, Glycocholic acid, Syringaresinol and Equol. These microbial and metabolic alterations are proposed to affect host metabolism by influencing steroidogenesis and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways, which in turn regulate blood pressure through enhanced vascular function and decreased vascular remodeling. In summary, modulation of gut microbiota by SCFAs or a HF plays a protective role against PM2.5-induced hypertensive damages, suggesting a potential strategy to reduce environmental pollution-related cardiovascular risks through gut microbiota modulation.
Insights
Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and high-fiber diets (HF) can protect against particulate matter (PM2.5)-induced hypertension. These interventions modulate gut microbiota and metabolites, reducing cardiovascular risks from pollution.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Microbiology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is linked to cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension.
- Hypertension development is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis.
- The protective effects of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and high-fiber diets (HF) on PM2.5-induced hypertension are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of SCFAs and HF in mitigating PM2.5-induced hypertension.
- To explore the impact of these dietary interventions on gut microbiota composition and fecal metabolome.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which gut microbiota modulation influences PM2.5-related cardiovascular damage.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to PM2.5 and supplemented with SCFAs or a HF.
- Blood pressure, vascular remodeling, and gastrointestinal damage were assessed.
- Gut microbiota composition (alpha- and beta-diversity) and fecal metabolomic profiles were analyzed.
Main Results:
- SCFA and HF supplementation reduced blood pressure and improved vascular remodeling in PM2.5-exposed mice.
- Dietary interventions altered gut microbiota, enriching beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bacteroides.
- Fecal metabolome analysis revealed increased abundance of specific metabolites, suggesting impacts on host metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Modulating gut microbiota with SCFAs or HF offers protection against PM2.5-induced hypertension.
- These interventions represent a potential strategy to mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with environmental pollution.
- Targeting the gut microbiome may be a novel approach for preventing pollution-related cardiovascular diseases.
