Scientists have discovered a natural compound that can protect the brain from excess salt
- Scientists have identified LPC70, a compound that protects the brain from salt
- LPC70 improves memory and social interaction in mice
- The study showed that LPC70 affects prostaglandin signals in the body.
The natural compound LPC70 and its impact on brain health
Consuming excessive amounts of salt is associated not only with increased blood pressure but also with impaired cognitive functions and emotional state. Studies show that a high salt content in the diet can negatively affect memory and thinking. This raises serious concerns in the field of public health, as hypertension is already a widespread issue. Scientists from Japan have made a step forward in finding a solution to this problem by identifying the compound LPC70, derived from soy, which may help reduce the negative effects of a high-salt diet.
Previously conducted studies have shown that LPC70 can lower blood pressure and improve cognitive functions in mice fed a high-salt diet. In a new study published on May 14, 2026, scientists examined the mechanisms of action of LPC70 in more detail, focusing on its effects on prostaglandin signals — molecules that play an important role in regulating various functions of the body. Prostaglandins act as local hormones, regulating blood pressure and other vital processes.
The study was conducted under the guidance of Professor Akihiro Mori and Dr. Hisayoshi Kubota, who investigated how LPC70 affects signaling pathways in the bodies of mice consuming a high-salt diet. The results showed that mice on a high-salt diet not only experienced increased blood pressure but also deterioration in social interactions and memory. This suggests that excess salt may selectively disrupt more complex cognitive functions without causing significant changes in overall behavior.
The impact of salt on health and cognitive functions
When researchers added LPC70 to the mice's diet, they observed improvements in both blood pressure levels and cognitive tests related to social interaction and memory. This prompted scientists to investigate what was happening in the kidneys and brains of the animals. In the kidneys, a high-salt diet increased the levels of two components related to prostaglandin signaling, which may contribute to the development of hypertension. LPC70 helped correct these changes, indicating its potential in normalizing blood pressure regulation.
In the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, excess salt reduced the level of the PGD2 receptor, which is responsible for protective and anti-inflammatory signals. LPC70 restored the level of this receptor, which may explain the improvement in memory and social functions in mice. This finding emphasizes that LPC70 does not simply increase or suppress all prostaglandin activity, but selectively activates signaling pathways that promote brain protection.
Furthermore, researchers found unexpected changes in the level of arachidonic acid, which is necessary for the production of prostaglandins. In mice with high salt intake, the level of this acid was lower; however, the addition of LPC70 contributed to increased levels of prostaglandins, indicating that LPC70 may enhance the utilization of arachidonic acid by the body under high-salt diet conditions.
Study of LPC70 and its mechanisms of action
Thus, the results of the study show that LPC70 induces a coordinated but highly selective response in the body. In the kidneys, LPC70 suppresses signaling changes associated with hypertension, while in the brain it restores signals related to inflammation protection. This finding may have significant implications for the development of new treatment methods aimed at reducing the negative effects of a high-salt diet.
Professor Mori noted that their research was the result of a collaborative project with Tsuji Oil Mills Co., Ltd, which is engaged in the development of natural food ingredients. This collaboration highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in scientific research, especially in the fields of health and nutrition.
Despite the promising results, several questions remain that require further investigation. For example, it is necessary to determine how LPC70 can be effectively used in clinical practice and what dosages will be optimal for achieving the desired effects. It is also important to explore potential side effects and interactions with other substances.
Prospects for the use of LPC70 in medicine
In addition, further studies on humans are necessary to confirm the results obtained in animals. This will help to understand how effectively LPC70 can be used to protect the brain and cardiovascular system in people consuming a high-salt diet.
In conclusion, the discovery of LPC70 as a potential protective compound against the negative effects of salt opens new horizons in the fields of medicine and dietetics. Given the growing issues related to hypertension and cognitive impairments, such research may lead to the development of new strategies for improving public health.
Thus, LPC70 represents a promising area for further research, and its impact on brain health and the cardiovascular system could be an important step in combating the consequences of a high-salt diet.
Source: ScienceDaily
