Search Results (328)

Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. High salt intake when consumed with excess fructose enhances hypertension and resultant cardiovascular disease. Usually, the small intestine absorbs dietary fructose, and the proximal tubule of kidney reabsorbs filtered fructose into the circulation with the help of different transporters including SGLT4 and SGLT5. Very recently, SGLT5 mRNA has also been found to be expressed in the heart. High-fructose diet stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone (RAAS) activity, of which both are responsible for endothelial dysfunction and are associated with salt-sensitive hypertension. Few studies exist regarding the effects of SGLT4 and SGLT5 on cardiovascular function and blood pressure. However, SGLT4 gene knockout does not alter fructose-associated impact on blood pressure. In contrast, blood pressure does not increase in SGLT5 knockout rats even during fructose consumption. Given that limiting fructose and salt consumption as a public health strategy has proven challenging, we hope that studies into SGLT4 and SGLT5 transporters will open new research initiatives to address salt-sensitive hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This review highlights current information about SGLT4 and SGLT5 on fructose absorption, salt-sensitive hypertension, cardiovascular disease and points the way for the development of therapeutic fructose inhibitors that limit adverse effects. Full article

Hypertension (HTN) is a major contributor to global morbidity and manifests in several variants, including salt-sensitive hypertension (SSHTN). SSHTN is defined by an increase in blood pressure (BP) in response to high dietary salt, and is associated with heightened cardiovascular risk, renal damage, and immune system activation. However, the role of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has not yet been explored in the context of SSHTN. Previously, we reported that GM-CSF is critical in priming bone marrow-derived (BMD)-macrophages (BMD-Macs) and BMD-dendritic cells (BMD-DCs) to become activated (CD38+) in response to salt. Further exploration revealed these cells differentiated into BMD-M1 Macs, CD38+ BMD-M1 Macs, BMD-type-2 conventional DCs (cDC2s), and CD38+ BMD-cDC2s. Additionally, BMD-monocytes (BMDMs) grown with GM-CSF and injected into SSHTN mice traffic to the kidneys and differentiate into Macs, CD38+ Macs, DCs, and CD38+ DCs. In the current study, we treated SSHTN mice with an anti-GM-CSF antibody (aGM) and found that preventive aGM treatment mitigated BP, prevented renal inflammation, and altered renal immune cells. In mice with established SSHTN, aGM treatment attenuated BP, reduced renal inflammation, and differentially affected renal immune cells. Adoptive transfer of aGM-treated BMDMs into SSHTN mice resulted in decreased renal trafficking. Additionally, aGM treatment of BMD-Macs, CD38+ BMD-M1 Macs, BMD-DCs, and CD38+ BMD-cDC2s led to decreased pro-inflammatory gene expression. These findings suggest that GM-CSF plays a role in SSHTN and may serve as a potential therapeutic target. Full article

Salt stress is a major constraint to seed germination and early seedling growth in rice, affecting crop establishment and productivity. To understand the mechanisms underlying salt tolerance, we investigated two rice varieties with contrasting responses as follows: salt-tolerant sea rice 86 (SR86) and salt-sensitive P559. Germination assays under increasing NaCl concentrations (50–300 mM) revealed that 100 mM NaCl induced clear phenotypic divergence. SR86 maintained bud growth and showed enhanced root elongation under moderate salinity, while P559 exhibited significant growth inhibition. Transcriptomic profiling of buds and roots under 100 mM NaCl identified over 3724 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with SR86 showing greater transcriptional plasticity, particularly in roots. Gene ontology enrichment revealed tissue- and genotype-specific responses. Buds showed enrichment in photosynthesis-related and redox-regulating pathways, while roots emphasized ion transport, hormonal signaling, and oxidative stress regulation. SR86 specifically activated genes related to photosystem function, DNA repair, and transmembrane ion transport, while P559 showed activation of oxidative stress-related and abscisic acid (ABA)-regulated pathways. Hormonal profiling supported transcriptomic findings as follows: both varieties showed increased gibberellin 3 (GA3) and gibberellin 4 (GA4) levels under salt stress. SR86 showed elevated auxin (IAA) and reduced jasmonic acid (JA), whereas P559 maintained stable IAA and JA levels. Ethylene precursor and salicylic acid levels declined in both varieties. ABA levels rose slightly but not significantly. These findings suggest that SR86’s superior salt tolerance results from rapid growth, robust transcriptional reprogramming, and coordinated hormonal responses. This study offers key insights into early-stage salt stress adaptation and identifies molecular targets for improving stress resilience in rice. Full article

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) shows diverse disease patterns, with various combinations of comorbidities and symptoms. A common hallmark is exercise intolerance, caused by alterations in the peripheral skeletal muscle (SKM) including a recently indicated titin hyperphosphorylation. Our aim is to compare a metabolic syndrome- (ZSF-1 rats) and a hypertension-driven (Dahl salt-sensitive (DSS) rats) HFpEF rat-model in relation to SKM function and titin phosphorylation. Obese ZSF-1 and high-salt fed DSS rats (HFpEF) were compared to lean ZSF-1 and low-salt fed rats (con). HFpEF was confirmed by echocardiography and invasive haemodynamic measurements. SKM atrophy, in vitro force measurements, titin- and contractile protein expression were evaluated. Obese ZSF-1 HFpEF rats showed muscle atrophy, reduced muscle force and increased titin phosphorylation compared to controls, which was not detected in hypertensive DSS rats. Fiber type specific troponins, myostatin and four and a half LIM domain 1 were differently regulated between the two models. Altogether, our results show that both animal models of HFpEF exhibit different SKM phenotypes, probably based on the divergent disease etiologies, which may help to define the most suitable animal model for HFpEF to test potential treatment regimens. Full article

Against the background of increasing global soil salinity, exogenous salicylic acid (SA) and melatonin (MT) have attracted much attention for their potential in regulating plant stress tolerance and have become an important research direction for the development of green and sustainable agriculture. In this study, the alleviating effects of different concentrations of SA (100–900 μM) and MT (100–900 μM) on salt stress (50 mM NaCl) and their physiological mechanisms were systematically investigated using the Tianjin specialty rice, Xiaozhan rice, as the research object. The results showed that salt stress significantly inhibited the germination and seedling growth of the two varieties, in which the salt-sensitive variety Jinchuan No. 1 showed significantly higher decreases in root length, plant height, and biomass (54.7–69.1%) than the salt-tolerant variety Jindao 919 (4.0–28.9%). Exogenous SA and MT were effective in mitigating salt stress injury, but there were genotypic differences in their pathways of action. For the first time in japonica rice, the genotype specificity of the SA/MT response was clearly revealed: SA dominated the response of salt-tolerant varieties by enhancing antioxidant defences, whereas MT optimized the overall performance of the salt-sensitive varieties through scavenging of reactive oxygen species, and in addition, it was further determined that SA and MT exhibited optimal mitigating effects on both varieties in the 300–700 μM concentration range, showing the best mitigation effect for both varieties. This finding provides an important theoretical basis and technological paradigm for precision stress tolerance cultivation of saline rice, and the application of appropriate concentrations of SA/MT according to genotype specificity to reduce the dependence on agrochemicals is of practical value in promoting green and sustainable production in saline agriculture. Full article

Large-scale inter-basin water transfer is an important means to alleviate the pressure on water resources in water shortage regions. However, the long-term impacts of inter-basin transfers on the regional water–salt balance and associated land productivity remain poorly understood, especially in salt-affected arid environments. To fill this gap, the core objective of this study was to reveal the implications of inter-basin water transfer on soil salinity and sodicity and the crop yield response under different irrigation practices. We conducted a case study on the Karamay irrigation district (KID), an artificial oasis with a 30-year history of inter-basin water transfer in northwestern China, using trend and correlation analyses, water–salt balance analyses, and salt-controlled yield reduction functions as well as field comprehensive measurements over 1996–2023. The results indicate that soil salinity and sodicity profiles, overall, exhibited a clear vertical stratification under both the early and late crop growing stages, and the degree of the soil salinization was decreasing, and the area of non-saline land was increasing significantly from 1996 to 2023 in the KID. Owing to the lack of salt-washing water and the poor irrigation water quality, the water-saving irrigated farmland was in the slight salt-aggregating state in the topsoil layer, while the other soil layers were in the salt-expelling or salt-equilibrating state in the KID. The profile distribution and exchange fluxes of soil salinity and sodicity are mainly characterized by climate, irrigation, and groundwater dynamics, as well as the plant salt tolerance, soil properties, and agronomic management which also influence the soil salt accumulation. With the transformation of irrigation schemes from traditional flood irrigation to modern water-saving irrigation during 1996–2023, the impact of soil salinity on relative crop yields has been substantially reduced in the KID, especially for salt-sensitive crops. This revealed that optimizing the drainage facilities, precise field irrigation and fertilization measures, and rational crop selection and agronomic practices are vital for high-quality development in the KID. Capitalizing on these research findings, we would provide effective directives for maintaining the sustainability of agricultural development in other similar inter-basin water transfer zones in the world. Full article

Salt stress severely constrains global crop productivity. However, most sweet corn cultivars exhibit weak tolerance to salt stress. In this study, two sweet corn CSSLs, salt-tolerant line D55 and salt-sensitive line D96, were selected as materials. We conducted comparative phenotyping and physiological profiling of seedlings under salinity treatment, and transcriptome analysis was carried out by sampling root tissues at 0 h, 4 h, 12 h, and 72 h post-treatment. The results indicated that D55 exhibited enhanced seedling height, root length, fresh weight, relative chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activities, while showing reduced malondialdehyde accumulation in comparison to D96. Pairwise comparisons across time points (0 h, 4 h, 12 h, 72 h) identified 6317 and 6828 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in D55 and D96. A total of 49 shared DEGs across four time points were identified in D55 and D96, which were enriched in 12 significant Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Only eight DEGs were shared between genotypes across all comparisons. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 1281, 1946, and 1717 DEGs in genotypes D55 and D96 at 4 h, 12 h, and 72 h post-salt treatment, respectively. Genes associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, phenylpropanoid metabolism, cutin, suberin and wax biosynthesis, and benzoxazinoid synthesis exhibit enhanced sensitivity in the salt-tolerant genotype D55. This leads to an enhanced ROS scavenging capacity and the establishment of a multi-layered defense mechanism. Additionally, brassinosteroid (BR), gibberellin (GA), and abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin-related genes exhibited different responses to salt stress in sweet corn. A hypothetical model, which established a multi-layered salt adaptation strategy, by integrating ROS detoxification, osmotic balance, and phytohormone signaling, was put forward. By integrating transcriptome and differential chromosomal fragment data, our findings identify 14 candidate genes for salt tolerance, providing potential ideal target genes in breeding to improve salt tolerance in sweet corn. Full article

Sodium consumption is a well-established risk factor for the development of hypertension. Nevertheless, current recommendations for reducing dietary sodium intake are challenging to implement. Consequently, alternative approaches that would reduce the harmful health effects of excessive sodium consumption on blood pressure are highly desirable. The scientific evidence suggests that dietary fibre intake and human intestinal microbiota may affect blood pressure regulation, potentially through interactions with sodium. This narrative review aims to explore the complex interactions between microbiota, fibre, and the fate of sodium in the human body, as well as the implications of these interactions in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. The relevant literature, published up to March 2025, was searched across databases including Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. A total of 160 most relevant references were included. Gathered evidence suggests that while dietary fibre may reduce sodium uptake into the bloodstream by binding sodium ions and bile salts, microbiota may also contribute to lowering sodium bioavailability thanks to multiple metabolites with anti-inflammatory and intestinal sodium transporter-modulating properties. Despite these promising findings, further work is needed to allow the translation of these insights into effective therapeutic approaches, particularly for salt-sensitive, hypertensive individuals. Full article

To explore the mechanism by which γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) regulates the response of different salt-sensitive tomato seedlings under salt stress conditions, we used the previously selected salt-sensitive tomato ‘M82’ and the salt-tolerant introgression line ‘IL-7-5-5’. The following three treatments were set up: (1) a normal nutrient solution concentration as the control, (2) a nutrient solution with 200 mmol·L⁻¹ NaCl, and (3) a nutrient solution with 200 mmol·L⁻¹ NaCl and 35 mmol·L⁻¹ GABA. The concentration of the reactive oxygen species metabolism-related compounds and antioxidant enzyme activity in the leaves of tomato seedlings subjected to the different treatments were measured, and transcriptome and metabolome analyses were conducted. After adding GABA, the SOD, POD, and APX activity in the leaves of the ‘M82’ seedlings significantly increased, while the GR activity significantly decreased. In the ‘IL-7-5-5’ seedlings, the CAT, APX, and GR activity significantly increased. The combined results from the transcriptome and metabolome analysis in leaves indicated that in ‘M82’ seedlings, 52 metabolic pathways were enriched, which included plant signal transduction pathways, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways, and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways. In the salt-tolerant ‘IL-7-5-5′ seedling leaves, 59 metabolic pathways were enriched, which included plant signal transduction pathways, amino acid biosynthesis pathways, and carbon metabolism pathways. A further analysis revealed that both varieties had a higher number of differentially enriched genes and differential metabolites belonging to the plant hormone signal transduction and amino acid biosynthesis pathways, indicating that GABA enhances the salt tolerance of tomato seedlings by regulating these two mechanisms. Full article

To unravel the mechanisms underpinning salt tolerance, different studies have attempted to determine the physiological and genetic variations behind the difference in salt tolerance between Arabidopsis thaliana and the salt-tolerant Thellungiella salsuginea (halophila). Most of these studies were limited to a specific duration of salt treatment and neglected the time response as a possible contributing factor to the higher salt tolerance exhibited by T. salsuginea. In this work, a comprehensive and detailed comparison of the response of the two species to high salinity was conducted at different times for up to ten days of salt treatment. T. salsuginea responded more rapidly and to a higher extent to adjust its metabolism and showed constitutive levels of anticipatory metabolism to salinity. T. salsuginea responded more rapidly in terms of maintaining light use efficiency, limiting the uptake of Na⁺, and increasing the accumulation of sugars and proline when exposed to salinity. T. salsuginea had much higher constitutive levels of metabolites, including malate, proline, and inositol, in comparison to A. thaliana. Interestingly, T. salsuginea showed a reduction in malate levels under salt treatment in contrast to A. thaliana. These results suggest that constitutive levels and the rapidity of the deployment of resistance mechanisms, together with metabolic plasticity, in response to salt stress are important adaptive traits for salt tolerance in plants. Full article

Radiation therapy (RT) plays a vital role in managing thoracic cancers, though it can lead to adverse effects, including significant cardiotoxicity. Understanding the risk factors like hypertension in RT is important for patient prognosis and management. A Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) female rat model was used to study hypertension effect on RT-induced cardiotoxicity. Rats were fed a high-salt diet to induce hypertension and then divided into RT and sham groups. The RT group received 24 Gy of whole-heart irradiation. Cardiac function was evaluated using MRI and blood pressure measurements at baseline, 8 weeks and 12 weeks post-RT. Histological examination was performed after the last timepoint or animal death. The hypertensive RT rats demonstrated significant decreases in left-ventricular ejection fraction (EF) (45 ± 7.2%) compared to sham (68 ± 7.3%). Furthermore, circumferential (Ecc) and radial (Err) myocardial strains were significantly reduced (Ecc: −7.4 ± 2.0% RT rats vs. −11 ± 2.4% sham; Err: 15 ± 6.5% RT rats vs. 23 ± 8.9% sham). Histological analysis revealed significant pathophysiological remodeling post-RT, including nuclear size, interstitial fibrosis, necrosis, and the presence of inflammatory cells. This study provides valuable insights into the cardiotoxic effects of RT in the context of hypertension, highlighting the potential of using MRI for improved risk assessment with potential for future clinical translation. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices necessitates strategies such as organic fertilizer alternatives and residual nutrient use to enhance crop productivity while maintaining soil health. This study investigates the residual effects of vermicompost on strawberry growth and physiology after a corn cropping cycle. The objectives were to assess how different vermicompost application rates impact strawberry yield, biomass, chlorophyll content, and fruit quality. The experiment was conducted over six months, using raised beds previously cultivated with corn and treated with six nutrient management strategies, namely, V0 (control), VC1, VCT100, VC1+VCT50, VC3, and VC3+VCT50. Metrics such as SPAD values, Brix sugar content, and stomatal conductance were measured throughout the growing season to assess physiological responses. Soil and plant chemical concentrations were determined at the end of the study to evaluate nutrient status. Results showed that the VC1 treatment produced the highest yield (11,573 kg/acre) and biomass (38,364 kg/acre), with significantly improved fruit quality (Brix sugar content of 8.3%) compared to the control (6.8%). SPAD values declined over time and showed no statistically significant differences among treatments. In the surface soil, VC3+VCT50 exhibited the highest N, P, Mg, Na, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity (CEC), and it also resulted in the highest leaf N. Leaves had higher N, P, K, and Mg concentrations, while Fe, Mn, and Cu were more concentrated in roots. Spectral reflectance data indicated reduced chlorophyll content in the VC3+VCT50-treated plants. These findings suggest that moderate vermicompost applications, such as VC1, can significantly contribute to sustainable agriculture by enhancing strawberry productivity and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. However, high-rate applications, especially VC3 and VC3+VCT50, reduced plant vigor and yield, possibly due to salinity stress and the high sodium content in the vermicompost used in this study. Such outcomes may vary depending on feedstock composition, highlighting the importance of salinity screening when using organic amendments in salt-sensitive crops like strawberries. Full article

Irrigation water salinity poses escalating threats to agricultural sustainability in degraded agroecosystems. This study has investigated the effects of magnetized versus non-magnetized saline water on the soil physicochemical properties and forage productivity of three Lotus corniculatus L. genotypes (salt-sensitive ecotype 232098, moderately salt-tolerant San Gabriel, and salt-tolerant Estanzuela Ganador) in arid northern Mexico. A split-plot randomized block design with three replicates assigned saline water treatments (magnetized [MWT] vs. non-magnetized [NMWT]) to main plots and genotypes to subplots. After one year of irrigation, MWT significantly attenuated soil salinization, evidenced by 23% lower electrical conductivity (5.8 vs. 7.2 dS·m⁻¹), a 26% reduced sodium adsorption ratio (6.2 vs. 8.4), and a 41% decreased sodium concentration (20.7 vs. 35.4 meq·L⁻¹) compared to NMWT (p < 0.05). Although agronomic traits (stem dimensions, leaf area index, and rhizome proliferation) exhibited salt sensitivity from the third season onward, fresh biomass yield remained unaffected by water treatment. Genotypic differences dominated productivity. Estanzuela Ganador achieved superior biomass in both seasons (288.9 g/rhizome in fall; 184.2 g in winter), outperforming San Gabriel by 15.8% and ecotype 232098 by 56.8% (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that magnetized saline water irrigation effectively mitigates soil salinity progression, while genotype selection critically determines forage productivity under arid conditions. Estanzuela Ganador emerges as the optimal cultivar for saline irrigation systems in water-scarce regions. Full article

Salt-sensitive hypertension (SSH) is closely associated with arterial inflammation, yet its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we utilized deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt-induced hypertensive mice, which exhibited elevated blood pressure and significant arterial inflammation. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) identified interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) and its downstream targets, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), as key regulators of these inflammatory changes. In vivo, IRF5 levels were significantly elevated in the DOCA group, while STAT1 and STAT2 protein levels were comparable to those in the normal salt group. However, nuclear levels of phosphorylated STAT1 (pSTAT1) and phosphorylated STAT2 (pSTAT2) were markedly higher in the DOCA group. Furthermore, scRNA-seq analysis showed increased IRF5 expression in endothelial cells (ECs) in both human and mouse aorta samples. In vitro, IRF5 knockdown in artery ECs led to a reduction in nuclear pSTAT1 and pSTAT2 expression. These results suggest that IRF5 promotes STAT1 and STAT2 phosphorylation, enabling their nuclear translocation. Additionally, RNA sequencing indicated a positive correlation between endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM1) and STAT1/STAT2. Using the UCSC and JASPAR databases, we identified multiple binding sites for the STAT1::STAT2 dimer on the ESM1 promoter. Luciferase reporter assays revealed enhanced ESM1 transcription following pSTAT1::pSTAT2 binding, and pinpoint potential binding sites. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR) further confirmed the specific binding sites between the pSTAT1::pSTAT2 dimer and the ESM1 promoter. These findings highlight the critical role of the IRF5-pSTAT1::pSTAT2-ESM1 pathway in the pathogenesis of SSH and suggest potential therapeutic targets. Full article

Background: Salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) is an important risk factor for essential hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, and its metabolic mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify SSBP-associated metabolic biomarkers and investigate their potential mediating role in the SSBP-hypertension pathophysiology. Methods: Based on the Systematic Epidemiological Study of Salt Sensitivity (EpiSS) conducted in 2014–2016, we performed a case-control study involving 54 matched pairs of participants classified as salt-sensitive or salt-resistant with targeted metabolomics detected. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the metabolites associations with SSBP and hypertension. The diagnostic performance of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) value, sensitivity, and specificity. Furthermore, the potential mediating effects of targeted metabolites on the relationship between SSBP and essential hypertension were explored. Results: Three metabolites demonstrated significant SSBP associations: L-Glutamine (OR = 0.998; 95% CI: 0.997, 0.999), PC (16:1/14:0) (OR = 1.039; 95% CI: 1.003, 1.077), and ChE (22:4) (OR = 1.115; 95% CI: 1.002, 1.240). Among them, L-Glutamine demonstrated the highest diagnostic efficiency for SSBP (AUC = 0.766; 95% CI: 0.677, 0.855). The combined model of the three metabolites slightly improved diagnostic efficiency (AUC = 0.788; 95% CI: 0.703, 0.874). L-Glutamine and Cer (d18:0/24:1) were identified as potential protective factors against essential hypertension (p < 0.05). Mediation analyses further indicated that L-Glutamine partially mediated the relationship between SSBP and essential hypertension, demonstrating a suppressive effect. Conclusions: This study identified L-Glutamine as both a diagnostic biomarker for SSBP and a metabolic modulator attenuating hypertension risk, providing insights for early SSBP screening and the pathways governing SSBP progression to overt hypertension. Full article