The influence of gut microbiota in blood pressure modulation of rodents: the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and short-chain fatty acids.

Abstract

Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) is a major challenge for world public health, as it contributes with mortality and morbidity related to heart failure, ischemic stroke, kidney disease, atherosclerosis and cardiac hypertrophy.It is known that the hypertension pathophysiology involves a variety of organs and systems. Recent research indicates that gut microbiota may also play a critical role in blood pressure (BP) maintenance.Accordingly, this work aims to analyze the association between hypertension and gut microbiota in several experimental models, taking into account genetic, environmental and dietary factors that profoundly influence both gut microbiota and BP. The current study proposes two hypotheses of potential bacterial mechanisms of BP modulation: First, the role of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), which bind to coupled G-protein OlfR78 and GPR43 receptors, that are related directly and indirectly to BP modulation. The second hypothesis considers the bacterial production of H2S and its vasodilating effect on the host efferent arteries.