The influence of microplastics on hypertension-associated cardiovascular injury via the modulation of gut microbiota

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) have been found to interfere with the gut microbiota and compromise the integrity of the gut barrier. Excessive exposure to MPs markedly elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease, yet their influence on hypertension remains elusive, calling for investigation into their potential impacts on blood pressure (BP) regulation. In the present study, an increase in the concentration of MPs was observed in the fecal samples of individuals suffering from hypertension, as compared to the controls. Oral administration of MPs led to obvious increases in systolic, diastolic and mean BP levels in mice. MPs were associated with promoting myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and cardiac remodeling through alterations in gut microbial composition, such as Prevotella and Coprobacillus, or fecal metabolites Betaine and Glycyrrhetinic acid. The hypertensive damage mediated by MPs was significantly mitigated by the high-fiber diet or antibiotics that targeted the gut microbiota. Notablely, fecal microbiota transplantation from mice treated with MPs led to an increase in systolic BP levels and the development of cardiac dysfunction. Our findings offer valuable insights into the complex interplay between MPs and the gut microbiome in the context of hypertension, and suggest potential strategies for reducing the vascular and cardiac injury caused by MPs.