Salt sensitivity potentiates high-salt diet-induced intestinal barrier disruption and gut microbiome dysbiosis in rats.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The high-salt diet is a prevalent eating habit associated with health risks. This study investigated the impact of high salt on intestinal barrier disruption and gut microbiome dysbiosis using Wistar and Dahl salt-sensitive rat models.

Methods

Rats were fed a normal diet or a high-salt diet for eight weeks. Body weight and plasma inflammatory cytokines were monitored in the study. Colon tissue damage was assessed via histopathological examination, and metagenomic sequencing was utilized to analyze alterations in microbial composition, functional pathways, and biodiversity.

Results

The results indicated that high salt significantly elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and induced structural damage in the colon. Metagenomic analysis revealed that high

SUBMITTER: Zeng B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12827649 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature