Mechanisms of Dietary Sodium-Induced Impairments in Endothelial Function and Potential Countermeasures
Year: 2021
Type: review
Abstract: Despite decades of efforts to reduce sodium intake, excess dietary sodium remains commonplace, and contributes to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality independent of its effects on blood pressure. An increasing amount of research suggests that high-sodium diets lead to reduced nitric oxide-mediated endothelial function, even in the absence of a change in blood pressure. As endothelial dysfunction is an early step in the progression of cardiovascular diseases, the endothelium presents a target for interventions aimed at reducing the impact of excess dietary sodium. In this review, we briefly define endothelial function and present the literature demonstrating that excess dietary sodium results in impaired endothelial function. We then discuss the mechanisms through which sodium impairs the endothelium, including increased reactive oxygen species, decreased intrinsic antioxidant defenses, endothelial cell stiffening, and damage to the endothelial glycocalyx. Finally, we present selected research findings suggesting that aerobic exercise or increased intake of dietary potassium may counteract the deleterious vascular effects of a high-sodium diet.
Source: Nutrients
DOI: 10.3390/nu13010270
Institution: University of Delaware
Language: English
Topic: Sodium Intake and Health
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,592
Awards: VASCULAR EFFECTS OF DIETARY SALT IN HUMANS WITH SALT-RESISTANT BP, The Role of Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction in High Sodium-Induced Changes in Pulsatile Hemodynamics, Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Vascular Effects of Dietary Potassium in Humans, Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Cardiovascular Health
OpenAlex ID: W3125933000