Participation of hydrogen sulphide and methane, metabolites of intestinal bacteria, in the regulation of blood pressure and the development of arterial hypertension

It is known that the proper functioning of the human body depends largely on the bacteria that are found in the intestines. Recent studies indicate that disturbances in the composition of the intestinal flora are associated with arterial hypertension. The bacteria in the gut produce a number of chemicals that enter the bloodstream, including hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methane. The aim of the proposed project is to investigate the effect of increased concentrations of H2S and methane in the intestines on the regulation of blood pressure and the development of hypertension. The research will also produce new compounds that can release H2S. The research will be carried out on rats. Hypertension and its complications are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Poland and the EU. The results of the proposed study will help elucidate the role of metabolites produced by gut bacteria in the regulation of blood pressure and in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The study will help assess whether drugs that alter the concentration of H2S and methane in the intestines can be used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, in particular arterial hypertension.