The University of Toledo has been awarded a significant grant of $3.85 million from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to explore innovative approaches to hypertension treatment. This five-year grant will fund research led by Dr. Bina Joe, a distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology.
Despite the availability of numerous hypertension medications, many individuals struggle to manage their blood pressure effectively. Dr. Joe’s research aims to investigate the relationship between gut bacteria and blood pressure regulation. She emphasizes the connection between gut health and hypertension, stating, “There is unquestionably a link between what happens in our gut and how well our blood pressure is regulated.”
Dr. Joe’s lab has previously established that lower levels of conjugated bile acids are associated with higher blood pressure in both animal models and humans. Bile acids, which are produced in the liver, play a crucial role in digestion and are altered by gut bacteria. In a recent study published in the Journal of Hypertension, her team found that bacteria can convert conjugated bile acids into unconjugated forms, which are linked to increased hypertension risk.
The new research will build on these findings, focusing on the hypothesis that conjugated bile acids may serve as novel antihypertensive agents. Dr. Joe’s team will utilize germ-free animal models to examine how specific gut bacteria affect bile acid levels and their role in blood pressure regulation.
Additionally, researchers will investigate how taurocholic acid, a type of bile acid, can lower hypertension. Understanding these mechanisms is essential before considering dietary interventions as a treatment option for high blood pressure.
Currently, most blood pressure medications target the brain, heart, or kidneys. If successful, this research could lead to the first antihypertensive treatment that directly targets the gut-liver axis.
Hypertension affects nearly half of U.S. adults, with many not achieving adequate control despite treatment efforts. Dr. Joe highlights the urgency of this research: “Despite all of the available medications, the prevalence of hypertension is on the rise.” She believes that exploring gut health could provide new insights into managing this common condition.
The University of Toledo continues its long-standing commitment to hypertension research, building on over six decades of contributions to understanding this critical health issue.