Probiotic Strains from Breast Milk Linked to Blood Pressure Benefits in Hypertension Models
Researchers from the City University of Hong Kong reported that two probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, derived from human breast milk, were associated with a notable reduction in blood pressure in a model of hypertension caused by high sugar intake. The findings were shared with the scientific community through results published in the journal mSystems. The study highlights how gut bacteria can influence vascular health by altering the microbial landscape in ways that may support arterial and venous function. In practical terms, the observed blood pressure reduction ranged from about 15 to 20 percent, suggesting a potential pathway for dietary or microbiome-based strategies to complement existing approaches to managing hypertension. This work contributes to a growing body of evidence that specific probiotic strains can interact with host physiology to influence cardiovascular risk factors, especially in contexts linked to dietary excess.
In a controlled experimental setup, mice fed a high-sugar diet to induce hypertension received these probiotic strains as part of their food regimen for a period of 16 weeks, with continuous health monitoring throughout. A parallel control group of hypertensive mice was maintained to provide a comparison baseline. The prolonged exposure to the probiotic regimen coincided with measurable improvements in cardiovascular indicators in the treated animals. The researchers propose that the benefits may arise from shifts in the gut microbiota, including increases in microbial taxa such as Lawsonia and Pyrolobus, which are associated with improved smooth muscle function in blood vessels. Conversely, reductions in other taxa like Alistipes and Alloprevotella, which have been linked to higher blood pressure in some animal studies, may contribute to the observed vascular improvements. This interpretation emphasizes how microbial ecosystems can influence endothelial dynamics, arterial compliance, and overall hemodynamics. The team notes that while these results are promising, further work is needed to understand the exact mechanisms and to determine how these findings translate to human physiology and clinical practice. The study underscores the potential of harnessing specific probiotic combinations to support blood pressure management alongside established therapies. (Source: mSystems)
Additional context from the researchers points to the possibility that probiotic interventions could form part of a broader strategy to mitigate hypertension driven by dietary factors. The work also stimulates interest in exploring which other strains or prebiotic partners might synergize with Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus to maximize vascular benefits. While the current findings derive from an animal model, they offer a compelling glimpse into how early gut microbial modulation might influence long-term cardiovascular health. The translation of these results to humans will require carefully designed clinical trials that assess safety, dosing, and real-world effectiveness across diverse populations. The study stands as a reference for future research into microbe‑host interactions and their implications for blood pressure regulation. (Citation: mSystems)