Gut microbiota and neuroinflammation in pathogenesis of hypertension: A potential role for hydrogen sulfide

Abstract

Inflammation and gut dysbiosis are hallmarks of hypertension (HTN). Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an important freely diffusing molecule that modulates the function of neural, cardiovascular and immune systems, and circulating levels of H₂S are reduced in animals and humans with HTN. While most research to date has focused on H₂S produced endogenously by the host, H₂S is also produced by the gut bacteria and may affect the host homeostasis. Here, we review an association between neuroinflammation and gut dysbiosis in HTN, with special emphasis on a potential role of H₂S in this interplay.

Keywords: Gut microbiota; Hydrogen sulfide; Hypertension; Neuroinflammation.