Gut Microbiota Modulation in Hypertension Management
Summary
Emerging evidence has established the gut microbiota as a dynamic regulator of host blood pressure, acting through a complex interplay of microbial metabolites, immune modulation and neurohumoral pathways. Shifts in the composition and functional capacity of intestinal microbes—often termed dysbiosis—have been linked to both the onset and progression of hypertension. Key microbial products such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) influence vascular tone, sodium homeostasis and inflammatory signalling. Conversely, antihypertensive agents including angiotensin receptor blockers can reshape microbial communities, creating a bidirectional drug-microbiome axis. Dietary interventions, probiotics, prebiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation represent promising strategies to restore microbial equilibrium, reduce systemic inflammation and improve endothelial function. Preclinical and clinical studies highlight the potential of microbiota-targeted therapies to complement existing pharmacological approaches, offering personalised avenues to mitigate cardiovascular risk on a global scale.
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Gut Microbiota Modulation in Hypertension Management publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in gut microbiota modulation in hypertension management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Gut microbiota: The ensemble of bacteria, archaea, viruses and fungi inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract, collectively influencing host physiology.
Dysbiosis: A maladaptive shift in microbial composition or function that disrupts homeostasis and may contribute to disease.
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Key bacterial fermentation products (such as acetate, propionate and butyrate) that modulate vascular and immune responses.
Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT): The transfer of processed stool from a healthy donor into the intestinal tract of a recipient to restore microbial balance.
α-diversity: A measure of species richness and evenness within a single microbial community.
β-diversity: A metric of compositional variation between different microbial communities.
References
- Intestinal microbiota by angiotensin receptor blocker therapy exerts protective effects against hypertensive damages. iMeta (2024).
- Influence of angiotensin II on the gut microbiome: modest effects in comparison to experimental factors. Cardiovascular Research (2024).
- Untapped potential of gut microbiome for hypertension management. Gut Microbes (2024).
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