Modulation of the Gut Microbiota by Fufang-Zhenzhu-Tiaozhi Capsule Attenuates Hypertension Induced by a High-Fructose and High-Salt Diet

Abstract

Hypertension is frequently comorbid with the disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism. The increased intakes of fructose and salt contribute to the development of hypertension and related metabolic disorders, which are closely associated with gut dysbiosis. Fufang-Zhenzhu-Tiaozhi capsule (FTZ), a traditional Chinese patent medicine commonly used in clinical practice, has recently emerged as a promising drug candidate for metabolic diseases. In this study, FTZ treatment is identified as attenuating blood pressure increase and improving the metabolism of lipid and uric acid in high-fructose and high-salt (HFS) diet-fed rats. FTZ also substantially alleviated renal fibrosis and the mRNA expression of inflammation cytokines, NADPH oxidases, and the renin–angiotensin system in the renal cortex. 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples revealed that FTZ restored HFS-induced gut dysbiosis, seen as increased intestinal microbial richness and diversity. Furthermore, fecal microbiota transplantation also achieved similar therapeutic effects and alterations in gut microbiota profile induced by FTZ. Taken together, this study highlights the efficacy of FTZ in attenuating HFS-induced hypertension and related metabolic disorders and renal injury. The antihypertensive effect is associated with the modulation of gut microbiota.

Co-Housing and Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: Technical Support for TCM Herbal Treatment of Extra-Intestinal Diseases Based on Gut Microbial Ecosystem Remodeling

“… Dong et al 24 Circulatory system Hypertension FMT on the antibiotic-pretreated HFS-fed rats Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsule-treated HFS-fed rats Male Wistar rat Oral gavage Regulated the Blood Pressure. Chen et al 112 Circulatory system Atrial fibrillation FMT on the atrial fibrillation mice Healthy controls Male wild-type C57BL/6 mouse Oral gavage Decreased AF inducibility; Improved electrical substrate and atrial fibrosis; Regulated metabolomics and aberrant LA/SIRT1 signaling. Fang et al 113 Circulatory system Atherosclerosis FMT on the ApoE −/− mice Empagliflozin-treated ApoE −/− mice Male ApoE −/− mouse Oral gavage Decreased plaque areas; Regulated systemic inflammatory response.…”

“… Regulated the Blood Pressure (SBP ↓, DBP ↓). Chen et al 112 Sancai Lianmei Granules Obesity Male C57BL/6 mouse Normal diet mice gavaged with SCLM granules Obese mice induced by high-fat diet FMT (Oral gavage, 120μL, once a day for eight weeks) Regulated the gut microbiota: ① Increased the abundance of gut microbiota; ② Altered the composition of gut microbiota (ie, Lactobacillus, Allobaculum, Odoribacter, Oscillospira, Mucispirillum, Desulfovibrio, Bacteroides, Alistipes, Helicobacter, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium, and Roseburia). Reduced the blood glucose level and body weight; Improved the levels of blood lipid parameters (TC ↓, HDL ↓, LDL ↓); Regulated the expression of oxidative stress products (MDA ↓, 8-OHdG ↓); Improved the spermatogenic functions (sperm density ↑, sperm viability ↑, inflammatory responses ↓, excessive cellular autophagy ↓).…”