Two Probiotics Combined Offers New Hypertension Therapy

The fascinating intersection between health, wellness, and the gut microbiome has captured the attention of the scientific community in recent years. As we delve deeper into this intricate relationship, emerging research is bringing to light the impactful role of certain probiotics in addressing hypertension. This health condition, prevalent among a substantial segment of the adult population worldwide, poses significant challenges. The newfound understanding of how specific strains of probiotics can influence and potentially manage high blood pressure marks a promising advancement in medical science.

The Connection Between Diet and Hypertension

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a widespread and chronic health condition that carries serious risks. It arises from a combination of factors such as genetic makeup, lifestyle, and dietary patterns. Notably, diets rich in fructose have been linked to an increased risk of developing hypertension. This connection is largely due to how our diet affects the gut microbiota, the intricate ecosystem of microorganisms that live in our digestive system.

The composition of our gut microbiota can be significantly influenced by what we eat. For example, a high intake of fructose can disturb the delicate balance of these gut microbes. This disruption can lead to a series of physiological changes that impact blood pressure. These changes include an increase in salt retention, the development of insulin resistance, and changes in the production of microbial metabolites. All these factors play a role in pushing blood pressure levels higher, shedding light on the critical role of diet in the management and prevention of hypertension.

Fig. 1 Probiotics reduce blood pressure level through modulating the composition of gut microbiota.¹

B. lactis and L. rhamnosus in Hypertension Management

The field of probiotics is breaking new ground in managing blood pressure and improving gut health. Probiotics are live microorganisms lauded for the health benefits they offer, particularly through modulation of gut microbiota. Recent research has centered on two particular probiotic strains - Bifidobacterium lactis M8 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus M9 - for their potential impact on hypertension.

Studies conducted using mice models with high-fructose-induced hypertension have revealed that these two strains can substantially reduce blood pressure. This beneficial effect stems from several complex mechanisms. Primarily, these probiotics change the composition of gut microbiota to counterbalance the consequences of a high-fructose diet. They heighten the presence of some beneficial bacterial species, while decreasing those associated with hypertension. These probiotics also play a role in various microbial pathways and human metabolic processes. For example, they have an impact on amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism pathways, which are all key in managing blood pressure. Additionally, the probiotics influence the levels of metabolites involved in the contraction of vascular smooth muscles, among other processes crucial to blood pressure regulation. Creative Biolabs provides custom probiotics discovery services to help you meet your research goals.

Investigating Bifidobacterium lactis M8 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus M9 has shed light on the gut-heart axis-an intricate interaction between gut microbiota and cardiovascular health. This research proposes that specific probiotics could be incorporated into dietary plans to manage hypertension, potentially cutting down dependence on traditional medication.

However, learning more about this gut-heart relationship is crucial, and research should continue, especially studies involving human participants that can confirm findings from animal models. It's also imperative to understand the combined effects of different probiotics and assess their long-term impact on gut microbiota and blood pressure. This will be key in fully leveraging the potential of probiotics for hypertension treatment. Understanding the utilization of probiotics for hypertension management contributes significantly to making sense of the complex relationship between diet, gut, and heart health. As we continue delving into this research, there is hope for more personalized, effective methods to treat hypertension, a global public health issue. Creative Biolabs's products will aid your research.

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1. Zhang, Yong, et al. "Probiotics Bifidobacterium lactis M8 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus M9 prevent high blood pressure via modulating the gut microbiota composition and host metabolic products." Msystems 8.6 (2023): e00331-23. Distributed Under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.

For Research Use Only. Not intended for use in food manufacturing or medical procedures (diagnostics or therapeutics). Do Not Use in Humans.