This study from the DZHK Berlin partner site shows that alterations in the gut microbiome contribute to cardiac damage in hypertension. In a zebrafish model, reduced levels of the microbial metabolite indole-3-acetic acid were linked to diastolic dysfunction, while supplementation improved cardiac function.
Mechanistically, the effect is mediated via the gut–brain–heart axis: indole-3-acetic acid suppresses the activity of specific hypothalamic neurons and reduces maladaptive neural and hormonal responses. Similar metabolic changes were also observed in patients with hypertension.
Link to the publication:
Zakarauskas-Seth BI, Forcari G, Anandakumar H, et al. Indole-3 Acetate Limits Dysbiosis-Driven Diastolic Failure via Hcrt Neurons. Circ Res. 2026;138(6):e326990. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.125.326990
