Recent research conducted by Japanese scientists has shed light on how high salt consumption can influence cognitive health. The study highlights the role of two physiological mechanisms, the angiotensin II-AT1 and prostaglandin E2-EP1 systems, which become amplified by excessive salt intake and lead to hypertension. This, in turn, can result in emotional and cognitive impairment, involving changes to crucial brain enzymes like tau protein. The study’s findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for hypertension-induced dementia, a matter of increasing concern in aging societies such as Japan, where dementia treatment costs are on the rise.
Dementia, characterized by a decline in cognitive functions like thinking and memory, is prevalent in Japan. Unfortunately, there is currently no curative drug therapy available, leaving a significant gap in effective treatment options. With the global population aging rapidly, there is an urgent need to develop preventive measures and therapeutic drugs for dementia.
The link between cognitive impairment and excessive salt intake, commonly found in table salt, is well-established. High salt consumption can also contribute to hypertension. In order to mitigate the negative health effects, the World Health Organization recommends limiting daily salt intake to under 5 grams.
While the involvement of angiotensin II (Ang II) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in hypertension and neurotoxicity is known, their role in high salt-induced hypertension and emotional/cognitive impairment remains unclear.
In a recent study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, a team of Japanese researchers extensively examined the effects of high salt intake on hypertension and emotional/cognitive impairment. The study focused on the interaction between Ang II-AT1 and PGE2-EP1 systems, revealing their contribution to emotional and cognitive dysfunction.
Hisayoshi Kubota, the lead author from Fujita Health University’s Graduate School of Health Science, explains, “Excessive salt intake is considered a risk factor for hypertension, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. However, previous studies have not adequately explored the association between the peripheral and central nervous system.”
According to the published data, the excessive addition of phosphates to tau protein primarily contributes to the emotional and cognitive consequences observed. This finding is significant because tau protein is a key component associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
In the study, laboratory mice were given a high-salt solution (2% NaCl in drinking water) for 12 weeks, and their blood pressure was monitored. The researchers also examined emotional/cognitive function and tau phosphorylation in two important areas of the mouse brain—the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. Additionally, they investigated the involvement of the Ang II-AT1 and PGE2-EP1 systems in high salt-induced hypertension and neuronal/behavioral impairment.
The results were striking: the experimental mice displayed several biochemical changes in their brains. At the molecular level, besides the excessive addition of phosphates to tau protein, the researchers observed a decrease in phosphate groups linked to a key enzyme called “CaMKII,” which is involved in brain signaling. Moreover, changes were evident in the levels of “PSD95,” a protein critical for the organization and function of brain synapses—the connections between brain cells. Interestingly, these biochemical changes were reversed when the antihypertensive drug “losartan” was administered or when the EP1 gene was knocked out.
Overall, these findings indicate that targeting the angiotensin II-AT1 and prostaglandin E2-EP1 systems may offer new avenues for therapeutic intervention in hypertension-induced dementia.
Prof. Mouri concludes, “This study holds significant social and economic importance, considering the escalating annual cost of dementia treatment in Japan.” Thus, the development of preventive and therapeutic drugs for dementia is crucial, especially in rapidly aging populations like Japan’s.
Reference: “High salt induces cognitive impairment via the interaction of the angiotensin II-AT1 and prostaglandin E2-EP1 systems” by Hisayoshi Kubota, Kazuo Kunisawa, Bolati Wulaer, Masaya Hasegawa, Hitomi Kurahashi, Takatoshi Sakata, Hiroyuki Tezuka, Masanori Kugita, Shizuko Nagao, Taku Nagai, Tomoyuki Furuyashiki, Shuh Narumiya, Kuniaki Saito, Toshitaka Nabeshima, and Akihiro Mouri, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology on April 19, 2023. DOI: 10.1111/bph.16093.
The study received funding from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, the Japan Science and Technology Agency, Fujita Health University, the Smoking Research Foundation, and the Takeda Science Foundation.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Salt consumption and cognitive health
What are the implications of excessive salt consumption on cognitive health?
Excessive salt consumption can have negative implications on cognitive health. It can lead to hypertension, which in turn can cause emotional and cognitive impairment. Changes to crucial brain enzymes, such as tau protein, may occur. This research suggests potential therapeutic targets for dementia induced by hypertension.
Is there a link between salt consumption and dementia?
Yes, there is a link between salt consumption and dementia. High salt intake has been associated with cognitive impairment. Studies have shown that excessive salt consumption can contribute to hypertension, which increases the risk of developing dementia. Restricting salt intake can be beneficial for cognitive health.
How do angiotensin II-AT1 and prostaglandin E2-EP1 systems relate to salt-induced hypertension and cognitive impairment?
The angiotensin II-AT1 and prostaglandin E2-EP1 systems play a role in salt-induced hypertension and cognitive impairment. These physiological mechanisms become amplified by high salt intake and can lead to hypertension, emotional disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction. Understanding the interaction between these systems provides insights into potential therapeutic targets for managing hypertension-induced dementia.
Are there any preventive measures for dementia related to excessive salt consumption?
Reducing salt intake is considered a preventive measure for dementia related to excessive salt consumption. The World Health Organization recommends limiting daily salt consumption to under 5 grams. By adhering to this guideline, individuals can mitigate the negative health consequences associated with high salt intake, including the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
How significant is the impact of dementia treatment costs in aging societies like Japan?
The impact of dementia treatment costs in aging societies like Japan is significant. As the population ages, the prevalence of dementia increases, leading to a surge in associated social and economic costs. Developing preventive measures and effective therapeutic drugs for dementia becomes crucial to address the growing needs of the aging population and alleviate the burden on healthcare systems and society as a whole.
More about Salt consumption and cognitive health
- World Health Organization (WHO): Salt reduction strategies
- Alzheimer’s Association: Dementia
- British Journal of Pharmacology: High salt induces cognitive impairment
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science: Official website
- Japan Science and Technology Agency: Official website
- Fujita Health University: Official website
- Smoking Research Foundation: Official website
- Takeda Science Foundation: Official website
7 comments
Wow, this study shows how too much salt can mess with our brains. Crazy, right?
So, excessive salt can cause hypertension, which then messes with our emotions and thinking? Yikes, gotta watch my salt intake now!
This research is a game-changer! It suggests new targets for fighting dementia caused by high blood pressure. Super important for countries like Japan with aging populations.
Who would’ve thought that something as common as salt could have such a big impact on our cognitive health? Time to rethink those salty snacks!
This study highlights the need for preventive measures and therapeutic drugs for dementia. We need to take action for our aging population’s sake!
Phosphates in tau protein? That sounds complicated, but it seems they play a role in cognitive decline. Fascinating stuff!
Great reminder to cut back on salt. Too much of it not only affects our blood pressure but also our brain health. Let’s take care of our minds too!