Intestinal Flora Modulates Blood Pressure by Regulating the Synthesis of Intestinal-Derived Corticosterone in High Salt-Induced Hypertension

Abstract

hSIH could be transferred by fecal microbiota transplantation, indicating the pivotal roles of intestinal flora in hSIH development. High-salt diet reduced the levels of <i>B fragilis</i> and arachidonic acid in the intestine, which increased intestinal-derived corticosterone production and corticosterone levels in serum and intestine, thereby promoting BP elevation. This study revealed a novel mechanism different from inflammation/immunity by which intestinal flora regulated BP, namely intestinal flora could modulate BP by affecting steroid hormone levels. These findings enriched the understanding of the function of intestinal flora and its effects on hypertension.