We and others have previously shown that SCFA supplementation can reduce BP but underlying mechanisms were unclear. Here we show that SCFA-receptors are protective in hypertension in the Ang II model.
We show that absence of these receptors leads to higher gut permeability (aka leaky gut) associated with higher inflammation in target organ such as the kidney. We also show that the absence of these receptors in immune cells was sufficient to worsen hypertension.
Immune cells and the inflammation are linked to hypertension but direct targeting of immune cells has not been particularly effective. Perhaps we could target these receptors to reduce immune activation instead?
In short, the answer is yes, there is a gene-environment interaction that increases risk for hypertension. My colleague Dr Leticia Tavares has done more work in this area https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.10.01.24314734
Grateful to my mentors @fzmarques.bsky.social Dr Joanne O'Donnell and Charles Mackay who helped guide this work and to all co-authors for the support and funding bodies NHMRC, Heart Foundation Australia, @monashbiol.bsky.social @monashuniversity.bsky.social
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