Microbiome-Based Therapeutics for Salt-Sensitive Hypertension: A Scoping Review

Abstract

The purpose of this scoping review was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current knowledge concerning the gut microbiome and SCFAs as emerging treatments for salt-sensitive hypertension. Relevant animal and human studies were identified via PubMed through August 2024. Twenty-four human (n = 9) and animal (n = 15) trials were included. Most human studies were observational (n = 6), aiming to compare gut microbiota differences between hypertensive and normotensive individuals. Three human studies evaluated microbiome-based interventions either via a sodium-restricted diet (n = 2) or prebiotic supplementation (n = 1). Fifteen animal trials involving either mice or rats were identified, all of which were interventional. These included dietary changes (n = 9), probiotic treatments (n = 1), postbiotic primarily bacterial metabolites (n = 4), and live biotherapeutic products (n = 4). All interventions were effective in decreasing blood pressure. Microbiome-based therapies as biologic modifiers for salt-sensitive hypertension are emerging. Substantial knowledge gaps remain, warranting further research to fully explore this promising therapeutic avenue.