Protective effects of fermentable dietary fiber and propionate in Dahl salt-sensitive hypertension and renal damage

American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Samuel D. Walton, John Henry Dasinger, Emily C. Burns-Ray, Lily Hartenburg, Kaitlyn Baldwin, Jeffrey S. Lin, Mary Cherian-Shaw, Ramakumar Tummala, Bina Joe, David L. Mattson, Justine M. Abais-Battad
DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00359.2025
Cited by: 1
References: 57

Abstract

The dietary switch to inulin, a fermentable fiber, reduced salt-sensitive hypertension and kidney injury in male and female Dahl SS rats, and caused gut microbiota composition shifts and increases in SCFA production (propionate and butyrate). Direct administration of propionate ameliorated salt-sensitivity in males, which coincided with renal T regulatory cell expansion. These findings provide the mechanistic basis for leveraging the microbiota and its metabolites through dietary interventions as a therapeutic for hypertension and kidney disease.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Gut microbiota and health Diet Metabolism and Disease Sodium Intake and Health

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
2
Pages
F170–F185
Publication date
2 January 2026
Language
EN