Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

High salt intake causes cognitive impairment linked to hypertension, study finds

The hormone Angiotensin II (Ang II) and its receptor “AT1” are recognized for their crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance

High salt intake causes cognitive impairment linked to hypertension, study finds

Researchers have discovered a correlation between hypertension, resulting from high salt intake, and emotional and cognitive dysfunction according to a recent study conducted by Fujita Health University in Japan.

The study reveals that excessive consumption of table salt, a commonly used food seasoning, has been associated with cognitive impairment.


Additionally, it is well-established that high salt intake is a contributing factor to the development of hypertension.

The study further explains that the mechanism behind this link involves disrupted signalling between the blood pressure regulation system and specific lipid molecules in the brain, ultimately leading to dysfunction.

The hormone Angiotensin II (Ang II) and its receptor "AT1" are recognized for their crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.

Previous research has established the connection between Ang II-AT1 and the physiologically significant lipid molecule prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and its receptor "EP1" in relation to hypertension and neurotoxicity.

However, the precise involvement of these systems in hypertension caused by high salt intake (HS) and its impact on emotional and cognitive functioning has remained unclear.

The recent study, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, sheds light on this matter by demonstrating how the crosstalk between Ang II-AT1 and PGE2-EP1 contributes to HS-mediated hypertension and subsequent emotional and cognitive dysfunction.

"Excessive salt intake is considered a risk factor for hypertension, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. However, studies focusing on the interaction between the peripheral and central nervous system have not sufficiently investigated this association," said author Hisayoshi Kubota from the university's Graduate School of Health Science.

The study observed that in mice, the emotional and cognitive effects were mainly attributed to tau phosphorylation, which refers to the excessive addition of phosphates to the protein called "tau."

Tau is a crucial protein associated with Alzheimer's disease.

During the study, the researchers administered a high-salt (HS) solution (consisting of 2% sodium chloride in drinking water) to laboratory mice for a duration of 12 weeks while closely monitoring their blood pressure.

"The effects of HS intake on emotional/cognitive function and tau phosphorylation were also examined in two key areas of the mouse brain - the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus," explained Akihiro Mouri, professor at the university's School of Health Sciences.

Additionally, the researchers investigated the role of the Ang II-AT1 and PGE2-EP1 systems in high-salt (HS) induced hypertension and neuronal/behavioural impairment. The study revealed several biochemical changes in the brains of the mice.

Apart from tau phosphorylation, the researchers observed a reduction in the phosphate groups associated with a crucial enzyme called "CaMKII" at the molecular level. CaMKII is a protein involved in signalling processes in the brain.

Moreover, they detected alterations in the levels of "PSD95," a critical protein responsible for organizing and facilitating the connections between brain cells, known as synapses.

Interestingly, all these biochemical changes were observed to be reversed when the mice were administered the antihypertensive drug "losartan."

Similarly, the researchers noted a comparable reversal when the EP1 gene was knocked out.

The findings of the study indicate that the angiotensin II-AT1 and prostaglandin E2-EP1 systems could serve as promising targets for therapeutic interventions against dementia induced by hypertension.

In order to mitigate potential health risks, the World Health Organization advises restricting daily salt intake to less than 5 grams.

(PTI)

More For You

Annabel Croft

Former tennis player and current presenter Annabel Croft

Getty Images

Annabel Croft’s Wimbledon trainers prove white sneakers are a timeless smart-casual choice

Highlights:

  • Annabel Croft spotted courtside in statement Gucci trainers during Wimbledon
  • Paired the footwear with a pleated blue dress by Boss for a sporty yet polished look
  • The platform sole offered subtle height without compromising on comfort
  • White trainers remain a key smart-casual trend, suitable for a wide range of outfits

Annabel Croft embraces sporty style at Wimbledon

Former tennis player and current presenter Annabel Croft made a notable appearance at Wimbledon this weekend, combining elegance with comfort through a smart-casual ensemble. Dressed in a pale blue pleated dress by Boss, she completed the look with Gucci platform trainers, blending classic tennis aesthetics with modern fashion.

The knife-pleat design of the dress referenced traditional tennis skirts, while the fitted T-shirt silhouette gave the outfit a distinctly athletic feel. Her trainers featured Gucci’s red and green web stripe, offering a designer twist on the classic white trainer trend.

Keep ReadingShow less
Charithra Chandran Wimbledon

Chandran wore lambskin shorts and a green cashmere sweater for her Wimbledon appearance

Instagram/charithra17/Twitter/charithra files

Charithra Chandran brings ‘Bridgerton’ elegance to Wimbledon in timeless Ralph Lauren look

Highlights:

  • Charithra Chandran attended Wimbledon as a Ralph Lauren ambassador, turning heads in a vintage-inspired ensemble.
  • Her look echoed Bridgerton character Edwina Sharma, with soft curls and a classic summer palette.
  • Fans online praised her poise and outfit, with many saying she outshone stars like Andrew Garfield.
  • The actress wore a green cashmere sweater, tailored lambskin shorts and white Nappa pumps.

Charithra Chandran’s Wimbledon appearance might have been behind Hollywood stars Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro, but her crisp summer ensemble made sure all eyes found her. Dressed head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren, the British-Indian actress brought understated elegance and old-school charm to Centre Court, and social media took notice.

 Charithra Chandran Wimbledon Charithra Chandran styled her hair in soft curls for the Ralph Lauren outfitInstagram/charithra17/

Keep ReadingShow less
Amazon Prime Day 2025

Running from 8–11 July, the sale is exclusively available to Prime members

iStock

Prime Day 2025 brings huge discounts on electronics including Apple, Samsung, Sony and more

Highlights

  • Amazon Prime Day runs until 11 July, with major savings on electronics
  • Apple AirPods Pro 2, iPad 11th-gen, and MacBook Air M4 hit all-time low prices
  • Samsung Galaxy phones, Sony headphones and Fire TV devices also see deep cuts
  • Prime Day is exclusive to Amazon Prime members, but free trial users can also access deals

Biggest electronics sale of the year

Amazon’s four-day Prime Day 2025 event has delivered a flood of deals on popular electronics, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, headphones and more. Running from 8–11 July, the sale is exclusively available to Prime members, though new users can sign up for a 30-day free trial to access the discounts.

As part of this year’s event, several top-rated products from Apple, Samsung, Sony and Amazon itself have seen some of their lowest-ever prices. According to The Independent’s senior tech critic Alex Lee, “Apple discounts are notoriously rare — but this Prime Day is a clear exception.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Hermes Birkin handbag

The handbag is now the most valuable ever sold at auction

Reuters

Hermes Birkin handbag fetches record £7.4m at Paris auction

Highlights:

  • The original Hermes Birkin bag sold for £7.4m at Sotheby’s Paris.
  • It belonged to British actress and singer Jane Birkin.
  • The handbag is now the most valuable ever sold at auction.
  • It ranks as the second most expensive fashion item sold globally.

A record-breaking sale

The original Hermes Birkin handbag, once owned by British actress and singer Jane Birkin, has been sold for £7.4 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Paris, setting a new world record for the most valuable handbag ever sold at auction.

The sale, held on Thursday, saw the iconic fashion item exceed all expectations, with Sotheby’s calling it “a startling demonstration of the power of a legend.” The bag is now also the second most expensive fashion item ever sold at auction, following the £24 million paid for Judy Garland’s ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz in 2024.

Keep ReadingShow less
Barbie with type 1 diabetes

This is also part of Mattel’s mission to extend the boundaries of imaginative play

Mattel

Mattel introduces first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes to promote inclusion

Highlights

  • Mattel launches new Barbie with type 1 diabetes
  • The doll features a glucose monitor, insulin pump and CGM app
  • Created in collaboration with type 1 diabetes charity Breakthrough T1D
  • Part of Mattel’s broader push for inclusivity and representation in toys

Barbie with type 1 diabetes joins inclusive fashionistas range

Mattel has launched its first diabetes Barbie doll, designed to represent children with type 1 diabetes and promote greater inclusivity in children’s toys.

The new addition to the Barbie Fashionistas line comes with realistic medical features including a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on her arm, secured with heart-shaped medical tape, and an insulin pump to help manage her blood sugar levels. She also carries a smartphone with a CGM app to monitor glucose throughout the day, and a bag large enough to store snacks and other essentials.

Keep ReadingShow less