Understanding how gut bacteria affect high blood pressure
Official title: Neural mechanisms of host-microbiota interaction in hypertension: a potential for bio-electronic medicine
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11187793 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect high blood pressure, especially for those who don't respond to usual treatments, and it aims to find new ways to help manage this condition using advanced technology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $443,728 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL152162-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11187793 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from treatment-resistant hypertension, particularly those with gut health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with well-controlled hypertension or those without any gut-related health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between gut bacteria and high blood pressure, focusing on how the nervous system communicates with the gut. It aims to uncover the mechanisms behind treatment-resistant hypertension, which affects many patients despite existing therapies. By using advanced imaging and neural stimulation techniques in specially designed animal models, the study will explore how gut dysbiosis impacts blood pressure regulation and assess the potential of bio-electronic medicine to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients with high blood pressure that do not respond to current medications.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there is emerging evidence suggesting that gut health plays a significant role in hypertension management.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zubcevic, Jasenka — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Zubcevic, Jasenka
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.