Gut microbiota and arterial hypertension – a narrative review

In patients with hypertension, intestinal dysbiosis and increased intestine permeability are ob-served. Modification of intestinal microbiota with some probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics, as well as gut microbiota transfer leads to a reduction in blood pressure. Therefore, the use of these interventions, especially probiotics, can be a complement to the therapy of hypertension. Bacte-ria constituting dysbiotic intestinal microbiota produce compounds with hypertensinogenic ac-tivity (trimethylamine - TMA, pathogen-associated molecular patterns - PAMPs). In addition, in a state of dysbiosis, a decrease in the production of compounds with antihypertensive activity (short-chain fatty acids - SCFA) is observed. A diet high in salt has a significant impact on in-testinal dysbiosis. Dysbiosis caused by a diet high in salt has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension. In this narrative review article the importance of gut microbiota and its dysbiosis in patients with hypertension and potential therapeutic options is discussed.