Overview of microbes in hypertension

High blood pressure (BP), known as hypertension, is a major contributing factor to the development of cardiovascular disease. The development and pathogenesis of hypertension involve a wide array of factors including genetics, environment, hormones, hemodynamics, and inflammation. There is a significantly positive association between higher levels of colonization by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans , Porphyromonas gingivalis , Tannerella forsythia , and Treponema denticola (etiologic bacterial burden) below the gum line, and the presence of hypertension. The use of antibiotics during pregnancy, which is likely indicative of bacterial infections severe enough to require antibiotic treatment, is associated with a slight increase in average arterial BP. Cytomegalovirus infection is a risk factor for heightened arterial BP and acts as a co-factor in the development of aortic atherosclerosis. The relationship between hypertension and coronavirus disease 2019 involves endothelial dysfunction and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system. The effects of gut microbiota on BP, whether beneficial or harmful, are influenced by multiple factors including genetics, epigenetics, lifestyle choices, and antibiotic usage. These variables collectively contribute to overall BP levels and the control of hypertension. Several reports have examined the BP levels of patients infected with the Zika virus. In regions with a high incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, hypertension has been linked to a higher risk of Epstein-Barr virus reactivation. Also, a potential causal link has been found between malaria and elevated BP. Also, the elevated prevalence of hypertension among dengue patients during their initial visit suggests that relying solely on BP measurements to predict severe infection may not be clinically reliable.

Place of baroreceptor activation therapy in the treatment of resistant hypertension

This mini review describes the development of the therapeutic concept of baroreceptor stimulation over the last fifty years alongside the more recent introduction of it for the treatment of drug - resistant hypertension. The pros and cons of this strategy of treatment over renal sympathetic denervation are also discussed in the light of the results of the studies done in the last decade.

World Journal of Hypertension: A new bench mark in the hypertension world

This is the first issue of the World Journal of Hypertension (WJH), a bimonthly peer-reviewed, online, open-access (OA) journal. The WJH will emphasize basic and clinical research about hypertension. As the OA model provides free, full-text articles in PDF and other formats for experts and the public without registration, the WJH enhances the speed of propagation and communication of scientific research results. As Editor-in-Chief of the WJH, I and the other members of the editorial board wish to share new ideas and knowledge about basic, clinical research and epidemiology in hypertension. We believe that you will find the WJH as an important journal in which to publish your excellent works.

Genome-wide association studies of hypertension: Achievements, difficulties and strategies

Estimated from family studies, the heritability of hypertension ranges from 31% to 68%. Linkage studies and candidate gene association studies were once widely used to investigate the genetic mechanisms of hypertension. However, results from these studies could only explain 1%-2% heritability. With the technological advances and subsequently the accomplishment of the Human Genome Project, genome-wide association studies (GWA studies) have been applied to find genome-wide significant signals for many common diseases. Current GWA studies of hypertension have identified dozens of hypertension or blood pressure associated variants. However, different GWA study identified different variants and the results could hardly be replicated in other studies. Therefore, a debate took place on whether GWA studies will unlock the genetic basis of hypertension and whether we shall continue throwing millions of dollars on GWA studies. This review gives a short introduction to the history of genetic study on hypertension and summarizes the current findings for GWA studies of hypertension or blood pressure. Finally, we will discuss that debate and try to find alternative strategies and technologies that may hold a greater chance to make progress in understanding the genetic risk factors of hypertension and blood pressure regulation.

Dairy: A lower percent investment in the volatile hypertensive environment

In cross-sectional and intervention studies, low-fat dairy has proven to be effective in lowering blood pressure in a hypertensive population. Contributing mechanisms include the angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibiting effects of peptides and possible interplay between calcium and vitamin D. Easily added to the diet, low-fat dairy is an attractive addition to nutritional, lifestyle, and pharmacological interventions to treat hypertension.