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Lujan HL, DiCarlo SE. Misunderstanding of race as biology has deep negative biological and social consequences. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:1240-1243. [PMID: 38698766 PMCID: PMC11291859 DOI: 10.1113/ep091491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi L. Lujan
- Department of Physiology, College of Osteopathic MedicineMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Stephen E. DiCarlo
- Department of Physiology, College of Osteopathic MedicineMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
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2
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Chrysant SG. The role of gut microbiota in the development of salt-sensitive hypertension and the possible preventive effect of exercise. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2024; 22:265-271. [PMID: 38823009 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2024.2364031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the present study is to analyze the data indicating an association between high salt intake and the gastrointestinal microbiota in the development of salt-sensitive hypertension in animals and men. It is also, to discuss the preventive effects of exercise on gut-induced hypertension by favorably modifying the composition of gut microbiota. AREAS COVERED Salt sensitivity is quite common, accounting for 30%-60% in hypertensive subjects. Recently, a novel cause for salt-sensitive hypertension has been discovered through the action of gut microbiota by the secretion of several hormones and the action of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In addition, recent studies indicate that exercise might favorably modify the adverse effects of gut microbiota regarding their effects on BP. To identify the role of gut microbiota on the incidence of hypertension and CVD and the beneficial effect of exercise, a Medline search of the English literature was conducted between 2018 and 2023 and 42 pertinent papers were selected. EXPERT OPINION The analysis of data from the selected papers disclosed that the gut microbiota contribute significantly to the development of salt-sensitive hypertension and that exercise modifies their gut composition and ameliorates their adverse effects on BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven G Chrysant
- Cardiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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3
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Welling PA, Little R, Al-Qusairi L, Delpire E, Ellison DH, Fenton RA, Grimm PR. Potassium-Switch Signaling Pathway Dictates Acute Blood Pressure Response to Dietary Potassium. Hypertension 2024; 81:1044-1054. [PMID: 38465625 PMCID: PMC11023808 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.22546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potassium (K+)-deficient diets, typical of modern processed foods, increase blood pressure (BP) and NaCl sensitivity. A K+-dependent signaling pathway in the kidney distal convoluted tubule, coined the K+ switch, that couples extracellular K+ sensing to activation of the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC) and NaCl retention has been implicated, but causality has not been established. METHODS To test the hypothesis that small, physiological changes in plasma K+ (PK+) are translated to BP through the switch pathway, a genetic approach was used to activate the downstream switch kinase, SPAK (SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase), within the distal convoluted tubule. The CA-SPAK (constitutively active SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase mice) were compared with control mice over a 4-day PK+ titration (3.8-5.1 mmol) induced by changes in dietary K+. Arterial BP was monitored using radiotelemetry, and renal function measurements, NCC abundance, phosphorylation, and activity were made. RESULTS As PK+ decreased in control mice, BP progressively increased and became sensitive to dietary NaCl and hydrochlorothiazide, coincident with increased NCC phosphorylation and urinary sodium retention. By contrast, BP in CA-SPAK mice was elevated, resistant to the PK+ titration, and sensitive to hydrochlorothiazide and salt at all PK+ levels, concomitant with sustained and elevated urinary sodium retention and NCC phosphorylation and activity. Thus, genetically locking the switch on drives NaCl sensitivity and prevents the response of BP to potassium. CONCLUSIONS Low K+, common in modern ultraprocessed diets, presses the K+-switch pathway to turn on NCC activity, increasing sodium retention, BP, and salt sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Welling
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Robert Little
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lama Al-Qusairi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Eric Delpire
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA
| | - David H. Ellison
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Oregon Health Science Center, Portland, Oregon, US
| | - Robert A. Fenton
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - P. Richard Grimm
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
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Yoon HS, Cai Q, Yang JJ, Lipworth L, Cai H, Yu D, Steinwandel MD, Gupta DK, Blot WJ, Zheng W, Shu XO. Sodium Intake and Cause-Specific Mortality Among Predominantly Low-Income Black and White US Residents. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e243802. [PMID: 38530308 PMCID: PMC10966417 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.3802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Epidemiologic evidence regarding the outcomes of dietary sodium intake on mortality remains limited for low-income individuals, particularly Black people. OBJECTIVE To investigate the associations of excessive dietary sodium with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among predominantly low-income Black and White Americans. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study included participants aged 40 to 79 years from the Southern Community Cohort Study who were recruited at Community Health Centers in 12 southeastern states from 2002 to 2009. Analyses were conducted between March 2022 and June 2023. EXPOSURES Dietary sodium intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for mortality outcomes (all-cause, cardiovascular disease [CVD], coronary heart disease [CHD], stroke, heart failure, cancer, and other) associated with sodium intake. Nonlinear associations and population-attributable risk (PAR) of the mortality burden associated with excess sodium were further assessed. RESULTS Among the 64 329 participants, 46 185 (71.8%) were Black, 18 144 (28.2%) were White, and 39 155 (60.9%) were female. The mean (SD) age at study enrollment was 51.3 (8.6) years for Black participants and 53.3 (9.3) years for White counterparts. Mean (SD) dietary sodium intake was 4512 (2632) mg/d in Black individuals and 4041 (2227) mg/d in White individuals; 37 482 Black individuals (81.2%) and 14 431 White individuals (79.5%) exceeded the current dietary recommendations of 2300 mg/d. During a median (IQR) follow-up of 13.8 (11.3-15.8) years, 17 811 deaths were documented, including 5701 from CVD. After adjustment for potential confounders, in Black individuals, HRs per 1000-mg increase in daily sodium intake were 1.07 (95% CI, 1.03-1.10) and 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02-1.14) for deaths from total CVD and CHD, respectively; while in White individuals, the corresponding HRs were 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02-1.14) and 1.13 (95% CI, 1.03-1.23). No significant associations were found for cancer mortality. PAR estimates suggest that sodium intake above the recommended threshold may account for 10% of total CVD, 13% of CHD, and 30% of heart failure deaths in this low-income southern population. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study of 64 329 low-income Americans, nearly 80% of study participants consumed sodium exceeding the current recommended daily amount, which was associated with 10% to 30% of CVD mortality. Public health programs targeted to reduce sodium intake among this underserved population may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Suk Yoon
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Qiuyin Cai
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jae Jeong Yang
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Loren Lipworth
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Hui Cai
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Danxia Yu
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mark D. Steinwandel
- International Epidemiology Field Station, Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Deepak K. Gupta
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - William J. Blot
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Wei Zheng
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Xiao-Ou Shu
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
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5
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Abstract
Excessive salt intake raises blood pressure, but the implications of this observation for human health have remained contentious. It has also been recognized for many years that potassium intake may mitigate the effects of salt intake on blood pressure and possibly on outcomes such as stroke. Recent large randomized intervention trials have provided strong support for the benefits of replacing salt (NaCl) with salt substitute (75% NaCl, 25% KCl) on hard outcomes, including stroke. During the same period of time, major advances have been made in understanding how the body senses and tastes salt, and how these sensations drive intake. Additionally, new insights into the complex interactions between systems that control sodium and potassium excretion by the kidneys, and the brain have highlighted the existence of a potassium switch in the kidney distal nephron. This switch seems to contribute importantly to the blood pressure-lowering effects of potassium intake. In recognition of these evolving data, the United States Food and Drug Administration is moving to permit potassium-containing salt substitutes in food manufacturing. Given that previous attempts to reduce salt consumption have not been successful, this new approach has a chance of improving health and ending the 'Salt Wars'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Little
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- LeDucq Transatlantic Network of Excellence
| | - David H. Ellison
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Oregon Clinical & Translational Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- LeDucq Transatlantic Network of Excellence
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR
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6
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Abstract
Salt (sodium chloride) is an essential nutrient required to maintain physiological functions. However, for most people, daily salt intake far exceeds their physiological need and is habitually greater than recommended upper thresholds. Excess salt intake leads to elevation in blood pressure which drives cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Indeed, excessive salt intake is estimated to be responsible for ≈5 million deaths per year globally. For approximately one-third of otherwise healthy individuals (and >50% of those with hypertension), the effect of salt intake on blood pressure elevation is exaggerated; such people are categorized as salt sensitive and salt sensitivity of blood pressure is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death. The prevalence of salt sensitivity is higher in women than in men and, in both, increases with age. This narrative review considers the foundational concepts of salt sensitivity and the underlying effector systems that cause salt sensitivity. We also consider recent updates in preclinical and clinical research that are revealing new modifying factors that determine the blood pressure response to high salt intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Bailey
- Edinburgh Kidney, University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (M.A.B., N.D.)
| | - Neeraj Dhaun
- Edinburgh Kidney, University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (M.A.B., N.D.)
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (N.D.)
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7
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Elijovich F, Kirabo A, Laffer CL. Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure in Black People: The Need to Sort Out Ancestry Versus Epigenetic Versus Social Determinants of Its Causation. Hypertension 2024; 81:456-467. [PMID: 37767696 PMCID: PMC10922075 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.17951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Race is a social construct, but self-identified Black people are known to have higher prevalence and worse outcomes of hypertension than White people. This may be partly due to the disproportionate incidence of salt sensitivity of blood pressure in Black people, a cardiovascular risk factor that is independent of blood pressure and has no proven therapy. We review the multiple physiological systems involved in regulation of blood pressure, discuss what, if anything is known about the differences between Black and White people in these systems and how they affect salt sensitivity of blood pressure. The contributions of genetics, epigenetics, environment, and social determinants of health are briefly touched on, with the hope of stimulating further work in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Elijovich
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Cheryl L Laffer
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
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Shaver N, Beck A, Bennett A, Wilson BJ, Garritty C, Subnath M, Grad R, Persaud N, Thériault G, Flemming J, Thombs BD, LeBlanc J, Kaczorowski J, Liu P, Clark CE, Traversy G, Graham E, Feber J, Leenen FHH, Premji K, Pap R, Skidmore B, Brouwers M, Moher D, Little J. Screening for hypertension in adults: protocol for evidence reviews to inform a Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care guideline update. Syst Rev 2024; 13:17. [PMID: 38183086 PMCID: PMC10768239 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02392-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To inform updated recommendations by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care on screening in a primary care setting for hypertension in adults aged 18 years and older. This protocol outlines the scope and methods for a series of systematic reviews and one overview of reviews. METHODS To evaluate the benefits and harms of screening for hypertension, the Task Force will rely on the relevant key questions from the 2021 United States Preventive Services Task Force systematic review. In addition, a series of reviews will be conducted to identify, appraise, and synthesize the evidence on (1) the association of blood pressure measurement methods and future cardiovascular (CVD)-related outcomes, (2) thresholds for discussions of treatment initiation, and (3) patient acceptability of hypertension screening methods. For the review of blood pressure measurement methods and future CVD-related outcomes, we will perform a de novo review and search MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and APA PsycInfo for randomized controlled trials, prospective or retrospective cohort studies, nested case-control studies, and within-arm analyses of intervention studies. For the thresholds for discussions of treatment initiation review, we will perform an overview of reviews and update results from a relevant 2019 UK NICE review. We will search MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycInfo, and Epistemonikos for systematic reviews. For the acceptability review, we will perform a de novo systematic review and search MEDLINE, Embase, and APA PsycInfo for randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, and observational studies with comparison groups. Websites of relevant organizations, gray literature sources, and the reference lists of included studies and reviews will be hand-searched. Title and abstract screening will be completed by two independent reviewers. Full-text screening, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) will be completed independently by two reviewers. Results from included studies will be synthesized narratively and pooled via meta-analysis when appropriate. The GRADE approach will be used to assess the certainty of evidence for outcomes. DISCUSSION The results of the evidence reviews will be used to inform Canadian recommendations on screening for hypertension in adults aged 18 years and older. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION This protocol is registered on PROSPERO and is available on the Open Science Framework (osf.io/8w4tz).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Shaver
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Andrew Beck
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alexandria Bennett
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Brenda J Wilson
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Chantelle Garritty
- Global Health and Guidelines Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Melissa Subnath
- Global Health and Guidelines Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Roland Grad
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Navindra Persaud
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Guylène Thériault
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jennifer Flemming
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Canada
| | - Brett D Thombs
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - John LeBlanc
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Janusz Kaczorowski
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter Liu
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher E Clark
- Primary Care Research Group, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, Devon, England
| | - Gregory Traversy
- Global Health and Guidelines Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Eva Graham
- Substance-Related Harms Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Janusz Feber
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Frans H H Leenen
- Department of Medicine and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kamila Premji
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Pap
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Melissa Brouwers
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - David Moher
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Julian Little
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Jeong S, Hunter SD, Cook MD, Grosicki GJ, Robinson AT. Salty Subjects: Unpacking Racial Differences in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension. Curr Hypertens Rep 2024; 26:43-58. [PMID: 37878224 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-023-01275-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review underlying mechanisms and environmental factors that may influence racial disparities in the development of salt-sensitive blood pressure. RECENT FINDINGS Our group and others have observed racial differences in diet and hydration, which may influence salt sensitivity. Dietary salt elicits negative alterations to the gut microbiota and immune system, which may increase hypertension risk, but little is known regarding potential racial differences in these physiological responses. Antioxidant supplementation and exercise offset vascular dysfunction following dietary salt, including in Black adults. Furthermore, recent work proposes the role of racial differences in exposure to social determinants of health, and differences in health behaviors that may influence risk of salt sensitivity. Physiological and environmental factors contribute to the mechanisms that manifest in racial differences in salt-sensitive blood pressure. Using this information, additional work is needed to develop strategies that can attenuate racial disparities in salt-sensitive blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soolim Jeong
- Neurovascular Physiology Laboratory (NVPL), School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Stacy D Hunter
- Department of Health & Human Performance, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Marc D Cook
- Department of Kinesiology, North Carolina Agriculture and Technology State University, Greensboro, NC, 27411, USA
| | - Gregory J Grosicki
- Biodynamics and Human Performance Center, Georgia Southern University (Armstrong Campus), Savannah, GA, 31419, USA
| | - Austin T Robinson
- Neurovascular Physiology Laboratory (NVPL), School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
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10
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Abstract
Several clinical and large population studies indicate that women are more salt-sensitive than men, yet the precise mechanisms by which the sexually dimorphic onset manifests remains incompletely understood. Here, we evaluate recent epidemiological data and highlight current knowledge from studies investigating sex-specific mechanisms of salt-sensitive blood pressure (SSBP). Emerging evidence indicates that women of all ethnicities are more salt-sensitive than men, at all ages both premenopausal and postmenopausal. However, menopause exacerbates severity and prevalence of SSBP, suggesting that female sex chromosomes predispose to and female sex hormones mitigate SSBP. Results from both human and rodent studies support the contribution of enhanced and inappropriate activation of the aldosterone-ECMR (endothelial cell mineralocorticoid receptor) axis promoting vascular dysfunction in females. Increases in adrenal response to angiotensin II, in association with higher ECMR expression and activation of endothelial ENaC (epithelial sodium channel) in females compared to males, are emerging as central players in the development of endothelial dysfunction and SSBP in females. Female sex increases the prevalence and susceptibility of SSBP and sex hormones and sex chromosome complement may exert antagonistic effects in the development of the female heightened SSBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candee T. Barris
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica L. Faulkner
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Physiology Department, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Eric J. Belin de Chantemèle
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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11
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Abrahamowicz AA, Ebinger J, Whelton SP, Commodore-Mensah Y, Yang E. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Hypertension: Barriers and Opportunities to Improve Blood Pressure Control. Curr Cardiol Rep 2023; 25:17-27. [PMID: 36622491 PMCID: PMC9838393 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-022-01826-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To characterize the barriers and opportunities associated with racial and ethnic disparities in blood pressure (BP) control. RECENT FINDINGS Blood pressure (BP) control rates in the USA have worsened over the last decade, with significantly lower rates of control among people from racial and ethnic minority groups, with non-Hispanic (NH) Black persons having 10% lower control rates compared to NH White counterparts. Many factors contribute to BP control including key social determinants of health (SDoH) such as health literacy, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare as well as low awareness rates and dietary habits. Numerous pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions have been developed to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in BP control. Among these, dietary programs designed to help reduce salt intake, faith-based interventions, and community-based programs have found success in achieving better BP control among people from racial and ethnic minority groups. Disparities in the prevalence and management of hypertension persist and remain high, particularly among racial and ethnic minority populations. Ongoing efforts are needed to address SDoH along with the unique genetic, social, economic, and cultural diversity within these groups that contribute to ongoing BP management inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph Ebinger
- Smidt Heart Institute, Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Seamus P Whelton
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Eugene Yang
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356005, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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12
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Umeukeje EM, Washington JT, Nicholas SB. Etiopathogenesis of kidney disease in minority populations and an updated special focus on treatment in diabetes and hypertension. J Natl Med Assoc 2022; 114:S3-S9. [PMID: 35589418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes and hypertension are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population as well as in the Black and African American population, who also suffer from high rates of CKD and CKD progression compared to the White population. Progression of CKD can lead to kidney failure, and patients with progressive kidney disease have a high risk of premature mortality, particularly from cardiovascular disease. Screening for early detection of CKD is important as it facilitates the initiation of medications that have been shown to delay the progression of diabetes-related as well as non-diabetes-related CKD, and reduce rates of death from both kidney and cardiovascular disease. The potential adverse effects from use of some of the newer reno- and cardio-protective glucose-lowering medications, such as the sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, may be effectively avoided with detailed patient education and monitoring by the healthcare provider. It is important to note that lifestyle modification including regular exercise, diet, and smoking cessation are first-line in the management of diabetes and hypertension. When CKD occurs, co-management by providers using a comprehensive strategy may avert early complications and facilitate appropriate early referral for nephrology specialty care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebele M Umeukeje
- Division of Nephrology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Center for Kidney Disease, United States
| | | | - Susanne B Nicholas
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, 7-155 Factor Bldg. 10833 LeConte Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
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13
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Kurtz T, Pravenec M, DiCarlo S. Mechanism-based strategies to prevent salt sensitivity and salt-induced hypertension. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:599-620. [PMID: 35452099 PMCID: PMC9069470 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
High-salt diets are a major cause of hypertension and cardiovascular (CV) disease. Many governments are interested in using food salt reduction programs to reduce the risk for salt-induced increases in blood pressure and CV events. It is assumed that reducing the salt concentration of processed foods will substantially reduce mean salt intake in the general population. However, contrary to expectations, reducing the sodium density of nearly all foods consumed in England by 21% had little or no effect on salt intake in the general population. This may be due to the fact that in England, as in other countries including the U.S.A., mean salt intake is already close to the lower normal physiologic limit for mean salt intake of free-living populations. Thus, mechanism-based strategies for preventing salt-induced increases in blood pressure that do not solely depend on reducing salt intake merit attention. It is now recognized that the initiation of salt-induced increases in blood pressure often involves a combination of normal increases in sodium balance, blood volume and cardiac output together with abnormal vascular resistance responses to increased salt intake. Therefore, preventing either the normal increases in sodium balance and cardiac output, or the abnormal vascular resistance responses to salt, can prevent salt-induced increases in blood pressure. Suboptimal nutrient intake is a common cause of the hemodynamic disturbances mediating salt-induced hypertension. Accordingly, efforts to identify and correct the nutrient deficiencies that promote salt sensitivity hold promise for decreasing population risk of salt-induced hypertension without requiring reductions in salt intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore W. Kurtz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94017-0134, U.S.A
| | - Michal Pravenec
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 14220, Czech Republic
| | - Stephen E. DiCarlo
- Department of Physiology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, U.S.A
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14
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Robinson AT, Wenner MM, Charkoudian N. Differential influences of dietary sodium on blood pressure regulation based on race and sex. Auton Neurosci 2021; 236:102873. [PMID: 34509133 PMCID: PMC8627459 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There are clear differences between men and women, and differences among races, in the incidence and prevalence of hypertension. Furthermore, there is extensive inter-individual variability among humans in the extent to which sodium ingestion alters blood pressure. Orthostatic intolerance and orthostatic hypotension are more common in women; these are often treated with a high salt diet, which has variable efficacy in increasing blood volume and blood pressure. Conversely, people with certain forms of hypertension are often counseled to decrease their sodium intake. Non-Hispanic Black men and women have higher rates of hypertension compared to non-Hispanic White men and women and other racial/ethnic groups. In aggregate, Black women appear to have better orthostatic tolerance than White women. In the present paper, we summarize and evaluate the current evidence for mechanisms of blood pressure regulation in men and women, as well as differences between Black and White groups, with a focus on cardiovascular responses to salt and differences among these groups. We also provide a brief review of factors that are not traditionally considered to be "biological" - such as socio-economic disparities resulting from historic and contemporary inequity across racial groups. These non-biological factors have direct and substantial influences on cardiovascular mechanisms, as well as implications for the influences of salt and sodium intake on blood pressure and cardiovascular health. We conclude that both biological and socio-economic factors provide critical modulating influences when considering the impacts of sodium on cardiovascular health as functions of race and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin T Robinson
- Neurovascular Physiology Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America.
| | - Megan M Wenner
- Women's Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, United States of America
| | - Nisha Charkoudian
- Thermal & Mountain Medicine Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA 01760, United States of America
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15
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Lujan HL, DiCarlo SE. The racist "one drop rule" influencing science: it is time to stop teaching "race corrections" in medicine. ADVANCES IN PHYSIOLOGY EDUCATION 2021; 45:644-650. [PMID: 34402675 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00063.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a key index of renal function. The classic method for assessing GFR is the clearance of inulin. Several current methods using isotopic (125I-iothalamate, 51Cr-EDTA, or 99Tc-DTPA) or nonisotopic (iohexol or iothalamate) markers are available. Clinically, GFR is estimated (eGFR) from serum creatinine or cystatin C levels. Estimated GFR based on creatinine and/or cystatin are less accurate than measured GFR. The creatinine-based equations calculate higher eGFR values (suggesting better kidney function) for black individuals. This upward adjustment for all black individuals is embedded in eGFR calculations on the belief of higher serum creatinine concentrations among black individuals than among white individuals. Thus "race-corrected" eGFR has become a widely accepted and scientifically valid procedure. However, race is not a genetic or biological category. Rather, race is a social construction defined by region-specific cultural and historical ideas. Furthermore, there is no accepted scientific method for classifying people as black or white individuals. Studies typically rely on self-identification of race. However, any person in the United States with any known black ancestry is considered to be a black individual. This is known as the "one-drop rule," meaning that a single drop of "black blood" makes anyone a black individual. It does not matter if an individual has 50%, 25%, 5%, or 0.5% African ancestry. The limited accuracy and reliability of this approach would not be allowed for any other scientific variable. Admixture and migration have produced such broad variations that race categories should not be used as experimental variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi L Lujan
- Department of Physiology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Stephen E DiCarlo
- Department of Physiology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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