Gut microbiota linked to arterial stiffness. Gut microbial composition and functional capacity in patients with arterial stiffness

In this study, we analyzed the correlation of gut microbiome composition and functional capacity with arterial stiffness, evaluated by the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), among 96 patients with hypertension aged 40-65 years. Our data showed that the characteristics of gut microbiome were altered in participants with elevated arterial stiffness compared with participants without arterial stiffness. Gut microbial diversity had a declined tendency associated with the severity arterial stiffness. Moreover, the gut microbiome composition was significantly changed with the progression of arterial stiffness during a median 2.6 years of follow-up.