An Overview of Metabolic Phenotyping in Blood Pressure Research

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: This review presents the analytical techniques, processing and analytical steps used in metabolomics phenotyping studies, as well as the main results from epidemiological studies on the associations between metabolites and high blood pressure. RECENT FINDINGS: A variety of metabolomic approaches have been applied to a range of epidemiological studies to uncover the pathophysiology of high blood pressure. Several pathways have been suggested in relation to blood pressure including the possible role of the gut microflora, inflammatory, oxidative stress, and lipid pathways. Metabolic changes have also been identified associated with blood pressure lowering effects of diets high in fruits and vegetables and low in meat intake. However, the current body of literature on metabolic profiling and blood pressure is still in its infancy, not fully consistent and requires careful interpretation. SUMMARY: Metabolic phenotyping is a promising approach to uncover metabolic pathways associated with high blood pressure and throw light into the complex pathophysiology of hypertension.