Two-Week Low-Salt Diet Improves Acetylcholine-Induced Microvascular Dilation in Biologically Naïve Psoriasis Patients

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Dermatology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Psoriasis patients have endothelial dysfunction, increasing cardiovascular risk.
• Excess salt intake negatively impacts vascular reactivity.
• Skin microcirculation effects of salt on psoriasis-related endothelial dysfunction are understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a low-salt diet on microvascular reactivity in psoriasis patients.
• To assess endothelial function in skin microcirculation following dietary salt reduction.

Main Methods:

• Utilized laser Doppler flowmetry to measure skin microcirculation.
• Assessed responses to postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH), acetylcholine-induced dilation (AChID), and local thermal hyperemia (LTH).
• Collected blood and urine samples for biochemical, inflammatory markers, and dietary adherence.

Main Results:

• Low-salt diet reduced systolic and mean arterial blood pressure.
• Acetylcholine-induced dilation significantly improved, especially in women and specific patient subgroups.
• Endothelial component of PORH improved; psoriasis duration negatively correlated with endothelial function improvement.

Conclusions:

• A low-salt diet demonstrates beneficial effects on microvascular endothelial function in psoriasis.
• Early introduction of a low-salt diet may be a valuable component of psoriasis treatment protocols.
• Sex differences and patient characteristics influence the response to a low-salt diet.