Possible Role of Gut Microbiota Alterations in Myocardial Fibrosis and Burden of Heart Failure in Hypertensive Heart Disease

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have revealed that hypertensive heart disease is a major risk factor for heart failure, and its heart failure burden is growing rapidly. The need to act in the face of this threat requires first an understanding of the multifactorial origin of hypertensive heart disease and second an exploration of new mechanistic pathways involved in myocardial alterations critically involved in cardiac dysfunction and failure (eg, myocardial interstitial fibrosis). Increasing evidence shows that alterations of gut microbiota composition and function (ie, dysbiosis) leading to changes in microbiota-derived metabolites and impairment of the gut barrier and immune functions may be involved in blood pressure elevation and hypertensive organ damage. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the potential contribution of gut microbiota alterations to myocardial interstitial fibrosis in hypertensive heart disease through blood pressure–dependent and blood pressure–independent mechanisms. Achievements in this field should open a new path for more comprehensive treatment of myocardial interstitial fibrosis in hypertensive heart disease and, thus, for the prevention of heart failure.