Host-microbiota interactions regulate gut serotonergic signaling: implications for hypertension

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Cardiovascular Science

Background:

• Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a conserved signaling molecule with significant roles in peripheral systems.
• In mammals, gut-derived serotonin regulates intestinal function, vascular tone, and blood pressure via direct and neural pathways.
• Dysregulation of serotonin is linked to metabolic, neuropsychiatric, and cardiovascular conditions like hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of gut serotonergic signaling in cardiometabolic regulation.
• To investigate the bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and host serotonin pathways.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets for hypertension and related disorders.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on serotonin biosynthesis, signaling, and its connection to gut microbiota.
• Analysis of studies implicating gut serotonin in cardiovascular function and disease.
• Exploration of the impact of microbial metabolites on host serotonin pathways.

Main Results:

• Gut microbiota metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, influence serotonin production and release.
• Serotonin plays a critical role in regulating intestinal motility, secretion, and vascular tone.
• Aberrant colonic serotonin signaling is associated with hypertension and postprandial blood pressure abnormalities.
• A bidirectional communication exists between gut microbes and host serotonergic systems.

Conclusions:

• Gut serotonergic signaling is a key regulator of cardiometabolic homeostasis.
• The interplay between gut microbiota and serotonin pathways presents a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions.
• Further research into host-microbe interactions in the gut can lead to novel strategies for managing hypertension.