Enteric dysbiosis-linked gut barrier disruption triggers early renal injury induced by chronic high salt feeding in mice

Kidney damage caused by high salt intake is triggered by microbial imbalances and impaired inflammatory responses in the gut. Peng Chen at the Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China, and co-workers investigated how high salt intake triggers early-stage kidney damage, a key factor in the development of high blood pressure. Chen's team fed mice with high salt levels for eight weeks and found that the diversity and amount of microbial flora in the intestines changed considerably as a result. This imbalance led to the break-down of the gut barrier, the cell layer lining the gut that prevents material passing into other organs, meaning that bacteria entered the kidneys. High salt also impaired inflammatory responses and disrupted immune system gene expression. The findings may inform future treatments for high blood pressure and kidney dysfunction.