Effects of Salt Loading on Plasma Osteoprotegerin Levels and Protective Role of Potassium Supplement in Normotensive Subjects

• Published in: Circulation Journal 2016/12/22, Vol.81(1), pp.77-81
• Main Authors: Liu, Fu-Qiang, Liu, Sheng-Qiang, Zhang, Yong, Wang, Yang, Chu, Chao, Wang, Dan, Pan, Shuo, Wang, Jun-Kui, Yu, Qi, Mu, Jian-Jun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cardiovascular Diseases - blood; Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control; Cardiovascular disorders; Dietary interventions; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoprotegerin; Osteoprotegerin - blood; Potassium; Potassium - administration & dosage; Risk Factors; Rural Population; Salt; Sodium Chloride, Dietary - administration & dosage
• ISSN: 1346-9843; 1347-4820
• DOI: 10.1253/circj.CJ-16-0756

Background:Excess dietary salt is strongly correlated with cardiovascular disease, morbidity, and mortality. Conversely, potassium likely elicits favorable effects on cardiovascular disorders. In epidemiological studies, increased plasma osteoprotegerin (OPG) concentrations are associated with atherosclerosis and vascular deaths. Our study was designed to examine the effects of salt intake and potassium supplementation on plasma OPG levels in normotensive subjects.Methods and Results:The 18 normotensive subjects were selected from a rural community in China. They were sequentially maintained on low-salt diet for 7 days (3 g/day, NaCl), high-salt diet for 7 days (18 g/day), and high-salt diet with potassium supplementation for 7 days (18 g/day of NaCl+4.5 g/day of KCl). High-salt intake enhanced plasma OPG levels (252.7±13.9 vs. 293.4±16.1 pg/mL). This phenomenon was abolished through potassium supplementation (293.4±16.1 vs. 235.1±11.3 pg/mL). Further analyses revealed that the OPG concentration positively correlated with 24-h urinary sodium excretion (r=0.497, P