Liuzijue training improves hypertension and modulates gut microbiota profile

Abstract

BackgroundLiuzijue training (LZJ) is a traditional exercise integrating breathing meditation and physical exercise, which could prevent and improve hypertension symptoms.PurposeWe aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of LZJ on hypertensive patients from the perspectives of blood pressure (BP), vascular endothelial function, immune homeostasis, and gut microbiota.MethodsWe conducted a randomized, controlled, single-blind experiment to assess the effect of 12 weeks LZJ in hypertensive patients. We measured the blood pressure level, vascular endothelial function, serum inflammatory factor concentration, and fecal microbial composition of hypertension patients.ResultsCompared with aerobic training, LZJ has a more significant effect on serum inflammatory factors (IL-6 and IL-10) and gut microbiota. PCoA analysis showed that LZJ tended to transform the gut microbiota structure of hypertensive subjects into that of healthy people. This process involves significant changes in Bacteroides, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Escherichia-Shigella, Haemophilus, Megamonas, and Parabacteroides. In particular, Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella, these bacteria were closely related to the improvement of BP in hypertensive patients.ConclusionIn conclusion, our results confirm that LZJ could be used as an adjuvant treatment for hypertensive patients, which could effectively reduce BP, improve the immune homeostasis and gut microbiota structure in patients, and provide a theoretical reference for the use of LZJ in the clinic.Clinical trial registrationhttp://www.chictr.org.cn/listbycreater.aspx, identifier: ChiCTR2200066269.

Research Progress on the Correlation Between Hypertension and Gut Microbiota

“… Zhong et al 27 (2022) Elderly women 16S Alpha diversity; members of the order Coriobacteriales; Asaccharobacter, Collinsella and Fusicatenibacter↑; risk of metabolic syndrome↓ 8-week exercise training Regulate the structure of gut microbes, reduce the risk of CVD, and enhance physical functions. Wu et al 28 (2023) Middle-aged and elderly people in China 16S BP and heart rate levels ↓, immune-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-10) ↓, F/B ratio ↓, abundance of Escherichia-Shigella ↓, Bacteroides ↑ 12 weeks of LZJ training. Improvement of inflammation and structure of the gut microbiota Abbreviations : SCFA, Short-chain fatty acids; TMAO, Trimethylamine N-oxide; 16S, 16S rRNA sequencing; CVD, Cardiovascular Disease; IL-6, Interleukin-6; IL-10, Interleukin-10; F/B, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio; LZJ, Liuzijue.…”

“…Compared with aerobic training, LZJ can effectively reduce BP, regulate immune homeostasis, and optimise the composition of the gut microbiota, and it is more easily applicable to the general population. 28 In addition, yoga, Pilates, and traditional Chinese exercises (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Wuqinxi) are all complementary interventions for hypertension that focus on soothing exercise modalities that harmonise the breath, enhance flexibility, and promote inner peace and focus. It has been shown in many trials to help with BP control are safe and effective for hypertensive patients, and can be used as one of the means of rehabilitation.…”

Gut microbiota: a potential new regulator of hypertension

“…Liuzijue training is a traditional exercise that combines breathing meditation with physical exercise. This exercise can transform the structure of the gut microbiota in hypertensive patients to that of healthy individuals ( 96 ). Relative increases in fecal metabolites (e.g., microbially produced acetic acid, propionate, and butyrate) are associated with enhanced overall health in athletes compared with sedentary individuals ( 97 ).…”