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

Abstract:

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 delve deeper into this topic, our research explores 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.