High-Salt Diet Links Gut Microbiota, Intestinal Barrier Function, and Macrophage Responses

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Western diets, high in salt, fat, and sugar, are prevalent globally.
• Excess dietary salt is linked to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and local immunomodulatory effects.
• High-salt diets (HSD) induce gut dysbiosis, altering microbial metabolites and compromising intestinal barrier integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on HSD-induced alterations in the gut microbiota, metabolites, barrier function, and macrophage function.
• To discuss the interplay between these factors along the gut-liver axis.
• To identify key gaps and challenges for translational research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current research findings.
• Focus on immunomodulatory effects, particularly macrophage responses.
• Exploration of the gut-liver axis implications.

Main Results:

• HSD is associated with gut dysbiosis, altered short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and compromised intestinal barrier integrity.
• Bacterial translocation, liver, and kidney injury are potential consequences of HSD.
• Macrophages are emerging as key, yet underexplored, mediators of HSD-driven immune and metabolic effects.

Conclusions:

• HSD significantly impacts gut homeostasis and immune responses, with macrophages playing a critical role.
• Understanding the gut-liver axis interplay is crucial for addressing HSD-related pathologies.
• Further research is needed to bridge current knowledge gaps and enhance translational relevance.