Thesis Defense by Mohammed Mimouni

Presented by Mohammed MIMOUNI

September 27, 2024

Edited by Caroline DESMETZ

Mechanisms involved in the prevention of cardiac fibrosis through a low-salt diet in metabolic syndrome

Summary:

Metabolic syndrome, which is exacerbated by excessive fructose consumption, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly through cardiac fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction. Our research shows that a low-salt diet mitigates these effects, not only by lowering blood pressure but also through additional mechanisms.

To further explore this topic, our research examines two mechanisms underlying this protective effect:
• Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cardiac fibrosis: We have shown that sodium restriction reduces EMT by 37% in the hearts of rats and, for the first time, identified an extracellular matrix protein involved in this process, the inactivation of which inhibits EMT.
• Role of the gut microbiota: A sodium-restricted diet significantly alters the microbial composition, identifying 21 species with potential cardioprotective roles.

This research demonstrates the benefits of a low-salt diet in preventing heart damage associated with metabolic syndrome and opens up new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities for this condition.