The influence of gut microbiota on blood pressure

Abstract

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a major challenge for world public health, since it contributes to the mortality and morbidity related to heart failure, ischemic stroke, kidney disease, atherosclerosis and cardiac hypertrophy. It is known that the pathophysiology of hypertension involves a variety of organs and systems. Recent research indicates that gut microbiota may also play a critical role in maintaining the blood pressure (BP). 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 the gut microbiota and the BP. This study raises two hypotheses of possible bacterial mechanisms on BP modulation: First, the role of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), which bind to G protein­coupled receptor GPR43 and OlfR78 and are related directly and indirectly to blood pressure modulation. The second hypothesis takes into account the bacterial production of H2S and its vasodilating effect on the host efferent arteries. (AU)