Advances in Probiotic Research: Identification of New Strains Effective Against Hypertension

Emerging studies propose that specific probiotics, namely Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, could be instrumental in the management of high blood pressure by modulating gut microbiota.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects an estimated 40% of the adult population globally, making them susceptible to cardiovascular disorders and other significant health complications. While recent findings point towards a potentially protective role for probiotics in managing hypertension, the scientific understanding of how modifications to gut microbiota impact blood pressure regulation is not yet fully developed.

Novel Findings in the Field of Probiotic Science

A fresh study, published in the scientific journal mSystems, introduces two new strains to the roster of probiotics that could be effective in counteracting hypertension. Research conducted on mice with high blood pressure demonstrated that treatment with Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus effectively normalized blood pressure levels. Over a span of 16 weeks, the study observed alterations in the gut microbial communities of the subjects, identifying specific microbes and metabolic processes that could elucidate the protective effects of these probiotics.

Jun Li, Ph.D., a computational biologist at the City University of Hong Kong, collaborated with Zhihong Sun, Ph.D., a microbiologist at Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, on this research. Li noted, “The existing body of evidence confirms that probiotics and foods fermented with probiotics exert an antihypertensive effect in both lab-based and animal studies. Hence, we are of the opinion that incorporating probiotic foods into one’s diet could effectively complement conventional treatments for hypertension.”

The Link Between Sugar Consumption and High Blood Pressure

Prior research has associated the global surge in hypertension cases with an elevated intake of sugar, suggesting that sugar can potentially raise blood pressure through various mechanisms such as increased insulin resistance or sodium retention. Recent work has also explored the impact of sugar on the composition of gut microbiota.

In this latest study, the researchers administered the two probiotic strains to mice that developed hypertension after being given water laced with fructose. Blood pressure readings were taken every four weeks over a 16-week period. The results showed that the fructose-fed mice treated with probiotics exhibited significantly reduced blood pressure levels compared to those that consumed a high fructose diet without probiotic intervention.

Moreover, there was no discernible difference in blood pressure measurements between the fructose-fed mice that were administered probiotics and a control group that consumed only water. This implies that probiotic treatments could sustain blood pressure within normal ranges, as Li stated.

Methodologies and Additional Insights

To explore the relationship between modified gut microbiota and changes in blood pressure, the researchers employed shotgun metagenomic sequencing techniques. They found that a diet high in fructose resulted in an uptick in Bacteroidetes bacteria and a decrease in Firmicutes; however, the probiotic treatment reversed these bacterial populations to levels similar to those in the control group.

The study further identified new microbial markers correlated with blood pressure: Elevated levels of Lawsonia and Pyrolobus bacteria, along with reduced levels of Alistipes and Alloprevotella, were linked to lower blood pressure.

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to initiate a comprehensive clinical trial to investigate whether the beneficial effects of probiotics in controlling hypertension can be extrapolated to human subjects. “Probiotics offer an intriguing path in preventive healthcare, particularly in the control of hypertension and in revising our strategies for cardiovascular well-being,” commented Sun.

Reference: “Probiotics Bifidobacterium lactis M8 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus M9 prevent high blood pressure by modulating gut microbiota composition and host metabolic products” by Yong Zhang, Tingting Zheng, Da Ma, Peng Shi, Heping Zhang, Jun Li and Zhihong Sun, published on 19 October 2023, in mSystems.
DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00331-23

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More about Probiotic Research in Hypertension Management

• mSystems Journal
• City University of Hong Kong Research
• Inner Mongolia Agricultural University Research
• Role of Gut Microbiota in Health
• Probiotics and Cardiovascular Health
• Sugar Intake and Hypertension
• Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing
• Preventive Healthcare Strategies