October 2015

Scientists agree that too much salt in food contributes to cardiovascular diseases, chronic diseases, autoimmune diseases, as well as cancer. But the underlying mechanisms involved are still largely unknown. There is evidence that the immune system is involved in these processes and also that immune cells play an important role in cardiovascular diseases. Researchers led by Prof. Dominik Müller at the DZHK partner site in Berlin report in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that a high-salt diet weakens specific immune system scavenger cells (macrophages) which are responsible for combatting inflammation in the body. In experimental trials, feeding a high-salt diet to rodents was found to lead to delayed wound healing. Earlier studies by the same investigators show that salt also stimulates T cells and pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages through different molecular mechanisms. They therefore conclude that salt and the immune system form a complex system and diseases may result when this system is thrown out of balance.

Link to the Paper