The study found that a diet high in salt may stimulate the immune system to age blood vessels

A preclinical study recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association identified a biological chain reaction linking A Salty diet To cardiovascular disease.

Scientists at the University of South Alabama observed that mice fed a high-salt diet experienced a rapid deterioration in blood vessel function.

The study found that high salt intake was associated with faster memory decline in one group

After only four weeks Eating large amounts of sodiumThe small arteries responsible for regulating blood flow lost their ability to relax, according to a press release.

The team found that the cells lining these vessels entered a state of cellular senescence, a form of premature cellular aging in which cells stop dividing and release a mixture of inflammatory signals that can damage surrounding tissue.

Excess salt has long been linked to high blood pressure, but a new study delves into its effects on the cardiovascular system. (Istock)

The researchers tried to replicate this damage by directly exposing blood vessel cells to salt in a laboratory dish, but the cells showed no harmful effects.

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The researchers pointed out that this indicates that salt does not cause direct damage to the lining of blood vessels, but the real cause may be the body’s own defense mechanism.

Excess salt may Stimulate the immune system To release a molecule called interleukin 16 (IL-16), which acts as a messenger that directs blood vessel cells to grow earlier than their time, according to the study.

According to the study, excess salt may stimulate the immune system to release a molecule called interleukin 16, which acts as a messenger that directs blood vessel cells to grow prematurely. (Istock)

Once these cells age, they fail to produce nitric oxide, the essential gas that tells arteries to dilate and remain flexible.

To test whether this process could be reversed, the team turned to a class of… Experimental drugs Known as senolytics.

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Using a Cancer medicine Dubbed Navitoclax, which selectively removes old and dysfunctional cells, the researchers were able to restore almost normal blood vessel function in salt-fed mice, the statement said.

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By removing degenerating cells caused by a high-salt diet, the drug allowed the remaining healthy tissue to maintain its elasticity and respond properly to blood flow demands.

The study indicates that excess salt may stimulate the immune system to prevent cells from dividing. (Istock)

The study has some limitations. Moving from mouse models to Human therapy The team cautioned that it remains a major hurdle.

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Spore drugs such as Navitoclax are still being studied for safety, and the team stressed that previous trials have shown mixed results regarding their effect on arterial plaque.

In addition, researchers have not yet confirmed whether the same IL-16 pathway is a major driver of vascular aging in humans.