Plasma Metabolites Link Gut Microbial Diversity to Blood Pressure

Background: Global cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality, with hypertension affecting approximately 1.13 billion individuals worldwide. Existing research indicates a potential relationship between gut microbial diversity and blood pressure regulation, highlighting a critical knowledge gap regarding the specific metabolic pathways involved.

Method: This study employed a multicenter cross-sectional analysis involving 500 participants with diverse gut microbiomes. Plasma metabolite profiles were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and blood pressure measurements were obtained through standardized protocols. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between gut microbial diversity and blood pressure readings.

Result: Increased gut microbial diversity was associated with a 10 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure (P<0.01). Additionally, specific plasma metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, showed a positive correlation (r=0.67, P<0.001) with microbial diversity and an inverse association with blood pressure (r=-0.54, P<0.01). Safety profiles indicated no adverse events linked to sampling methods.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that enhancing gut microbial diversity may provide a novel strategy in managing hypertension, with implications for public health policies targeting microbiome health. However, this study is observational, with limitations such as potential confounding factors and the need for longitudinal research to establish causation.

Original citation address: https://www.besjournal.com/en/article/doi/10.3967/bes2025.089