Characteristic Gut Microbial Species Associated with Salt Sensitivity in Hypertensive and Normotensive Tibetan Individuals

Backgroud : The study examined the diversity of gut microbiome in Tibetans residing in Gannan Prefecture, China, across varying levels of blood pressure in order to investigate the potential relationship between blood pressure, salt sensitivity, and gut microorganisms for the development of strategies aimed at preventing hypertension. Methods : Utilizing data obtained from the National Natural Science Foundation of China project (No. 81960614), a cohort of 152 individuals was selected from a population of 1459 Tibetans following a seven-year period of surveillance in Lintan and Zhoni counties. These participants underwent comprehensive evaluations encompassing questionnaires, physical examinations, blood pressure measurements, and assessments of salt sensitivity. Subsequently, the individuals were categorized into distinct groups based on their salt sensitivity and hypertensive status, including Salt-Sensitive Hypertensive (SSHS), Non-Salt-Sensitive Hypertensive (NSSHS), Salt-Sensitive Normotensive (SSNHS), and Non-Salt-Sensitive Normotensive (NSSNHS). Results : Significant differences in gut microbial β-diversity were observed between salt-sensitive and non-salt-sensitive groups. Among hypertensives, Fusobacterium spp , Prevotella spp_NK3B31_group , and Megalococcus spp . were more abundant in SSHS. In normotensives, Mycobacterium spp . and others were more prevalent in SSNHS. LEfSe analyses revealed a greater variety of characteristic species in the salt-sensitive groups. Specific taxa like CAG_352 and Acetanaerobacterium were enriched in hypertensive salt-sensitive subjects, whereas Brautobacteria spp. , Klebsiella spp. , Pseudomonas spp. , and Moraxaceae were enriched in the non-salt-sensitive hypertensive group. In normotensives, Mycobacterium , Actinobacteria , and Bifidobacterium spp . were enriched in SSNHS, and Clostridium spp._UCG_014 in NSSNHS. Analysis of KEGG and COG pathways revealed distinct functional differences between hypertensive and normotensive groups. Conclusion : Gut bacteria composition may affect salt sensitivity, with the salt-sensitive group showing more characteristic species than the non-salt-sensitive group. CAG_352 and Acetanaerobacterium could be potential biomarkers for salt sensitivity in those with hypertension, while the presence of Anabaenaerobacterium phylum may indicate salt sensitivity in those with normal blood pressure.