Exploring Microbiota-Based Therapies for Hypertension
Future prospects for leveraging the microbiota as medicine for hypertension (HT)
Recent research, led by Bina Joe from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, USA, reported a significant link between gut dysbiosis and hypertension, highlighting how alterations in gut microbiota can elevate blood pressure.
- Microbial Metabolites: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by gut bacteria from dietary fibers, play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by inducing vasodilation.
- Immune System Interaction: Bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the immune system influences hypertension, with alterations in gut microbiota composition leading to immune dysregulation.
- Abiotic Factors: Factors like circadian rhythms, age, and diet interact with gut microbiota, impacting blood pressure regulation. Understanding these interactions is vital for personalized treatment approaches.
Future research will delve into non-bacterial gut microbiota components and develop new personalized treatments for hypertension. Advanced tools like metagenomics, AI, germ-free models, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing are driving investigations into the gut microbiota's influence on blood pressure regulation.
Understanding how gut microbiota impacts neural, hormonal, and immune mechanisms informs hypertension and stress response management.
Research aims to personalize hypertension treatments by considering sex-specific gut microbiota differences and medication interactions. Dietary changes, exercise, microbiota bioengineering, and fecal microbiota transplantation offer promising avenues for hypertension management.
Addressing the complexity of study designs and securing funding are essential for moving forward in researching the microbiota's role in hypertension. As scientists uncover more about how the gut microbiota affects blood pressure, we're getting closer to personalized treatments for hypertension.
Image Credits: Durgan et al. Hypertension. 2024
