# Role of Gut Microbes in Hypertension: A Systematic Review of Literature

## TL;DR

This review explores how gut microbes influence hypertension and identifies specific bacteria and fungi that may either worsen or help manage high blood pressure.

## Contribution

The study systematically identifies microbial taxa associated with hypertension and their potential roles in its development or mitigation.

## Key findings

- Lactobacillus paracasei, Akkermansia, and Veillonella may protect against hypertension through dietary and metabolite interactions.
- Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus sp., and Parabacteroides merdae are more common in hypertensive patients and linked to inflammation.
- Fungal taxa Malassezia and Mortierella are involved in hypertension's pathogenesis.

## Abstract

Hypertension is a metabolic disorder affecting a significant proportion of the global population. Growing evidence suggests the contribution of gut microbiota to blood pressure homeostasis and the effectiveness of antihypertensive interventions. This systematic review evaluates the role of gut microbiota in hypertension and identifies microbial taxa contributing to or alleviating the condition.

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Cochrane databases for non-randomized studies, randomized controlled trials, and registry studies published in English. Studies were classified according to microbial taxa involved in the improvement or worsening of hypertension.

According to the inclusion criteria, 19 studies were included. Some bacterial genera, such as Lactobacillus paracasei, Akkermansia, and Veillonella, had potential protective effects against hypertension by regulating blood pressure through dietary interactions and microbial metabolites. On the other hand, Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus sp., and Parabacteroides merdae were more abundant in hypertensive patients and were involved in dysbiosis and inflammation. The fungal taxa Malassezia and Mortierella were also involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Gut microbiota composition may play crucial roles in hypertension, with certain taxa potentially contributing to or alleviating the condition. Modulating gut microbes through probiotics and diet may offer new therapeutic approaches.