Scientists discover a natural compound that could protect the brain from too much salt
Eating too much salt may do more than raise blood pressure. It could also harm memory and social behavior. In a new study, Japanese researchers discovered that a soy-derived compound called LPC70 helped protect mice from several damaging effects of a high-salt diet. Mice given the supplement had lower blood pressure, better memory, and improved social interactions compared with mice consuming…
Scientists in Japan have discovered a soy-derived compound called LPC70 that may help protect the brain from negative effects caused by excessive salt consumption. High salt intake is known to contribute to hypertension and cognitive issues, but its impact on brain health remains a concern. The research team, led by Professor Akihiro Mouri and Dr. Hisayoshi Kubota, examined how LPC70 affects prostaglandin signaling in mice on a high-salt diet.
Prostaglandins are signaling molecules that can either protect nerve cells or contribute to harmful processes, affecting memory, thinking, and emotional responses. Previous experiments had already shown that LPC70 could ease salt-related hypertension and cognitive difficulties in mice. The latest study aimed to understand how LPC70 influences prostaglandin signaling in organs involved in salt-related cardiovascular and cognitive problems.
The researchers found that mice on a high-salt diet experienced elevated blood pressure and exhibited signs of memory and social interaction problems. However, when LPC70 was added to their diet, several of these issues were mitigated, including improved blood pressure and enhanced performance in memory and social interaction tests.
The study revealed that LPC70 selectively affects prostaglandin signaling in the kidneys and brain. In the kidneys, it reduced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the PGE2 receptor EP3, which are involved in high blood pressure development due to excessive salt consumption. Meanwhile, in the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for thinking, memory, and social behavior, LPC70 restored the expression of the DP1 receptor, a protective and anti-inflammatory signaling component without altering DP2, a receptor associated with potentially harmful brain effects.
Additionally, the research discovered that excessive salt intake lowers circulating levels of arachidonic acid, a fatty acid used to produce prostaglandins. However, when LPC70 is introduced, levels of prostaglandins derived from arachidonic acid increase, indicating that LPC70 may help the body utilize available arachidonic acid more efficiently to produce protective prostaglandins under high-salt conditions.
The findings, published in Neurochemistry International, suggest that LPC70 selectively promotes beneficial prostaglandin signaling to safeguard brain health in the face of excessive salt consumption.
Written by urgent.news from ScienceDaily Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
