Activating Gut Microbial Receptors That Break Down Fiber Could Reduce Heart Disease Risk by 20%

Recent research from Monash University has revealed that stimulating specific receptors involved in the gut's breakdown of dietary fiber may significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension by up to 20%. The study, involving nearly 400,000 participants and published in the journal Cardiacovascular Research, highlights the protective role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These are compounds released when gut bacteria digest fiber and are known to benefit heart health.

Previous clinical trials led by Professor Francine Marques demonstrated that supplementing with SCFAs can reduce blood pressure levels. Building on this, the current large-scale analysis utilized data from the UK Biobank to explore how genetic variations impact this protective mechanism. Specifically, the study identified rare genetic variants that impair the function of receptors responsible for detecting SCFAs, preventing effective communication between gut microbes and the cardiovascular system.

Participants with these genetic mutations showed increased incidence of hypertension and a higher likelihood of adverse cardiac events such as heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes. Dr. Leticia Camargo Tavares, the lead author, noted that even among individuals who consumed high-fiber diets, those with these receptor impairments had a greater prevalence of hypertension, underscoring the importance of functional SCFA signaling.

While these genetic variants are rare, affecting less than 1% of the population, the findings emphasize the potential of targeting SCFA pathways for cardiovascular protection. The researchers are now developing oral SCFA delivery methods and drugs that activate these receptors, aiming to offer new strategies for preventing heart disease and managing blood pressure.

This research underscores the vital link between gut health and heart health, suggesting that enhancing SCFA signaling could become a novel approach in cardiovascular disease prevention. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-receptors-involved-gut-microbial-breakdown.html