SUBCHRONIC EXPOSURE TO NACL AND PLANT-DERIVED LOW-SODIUM SALTS DIFFERENTIALLY AFFECTS OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS IN RATS

Excessive dietary sodium intake is widely recognized as a contributor to oxidative stress and metabolic imbalance, whereas plant-derived low-sodium salts have emerged as promising alternatives for mitigating these adverse effects. This study assessed the impact of subchronic exposure to NaCl and plant-derived low-sodium salts on oxidative stress biomarkers in rats. Thirty-six Wistar rats (18 males and 18 females) were randomly allocated into six groups (three male and three female groups; n = 6 per group) and administered either distilled water (control), NaCl, or SHOV solutions at doses of 70 or 210 mg/kg body weight. Plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) activity, and total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) were determined using standard analytical methods. The results demonstrated that NaCl administration significantly increased MDA levels while decreasing GSH, CAT, and FRAP, indicating impaired antioxidant defenses and enhanced oxidative stress. In contrast, plant-derived low-sodium salts treatment reduced MDA levels and increased antioxidant biomarkers, with more pronounced effects observed at the 210 mg/kg dose. These beneficial effects are attributed to the partial replacement of sodium with potassium, as well as to the presence of other minerals with antioxidant potential. The sex-related differences observed, although moderate, suggest a slightly greater antioxidant response in females. Overall, plant-derived low-sodium salts exert a protective effect by enhancing both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems. These findings support the nutritional and health-promoting value of plant-derived low-sodium salts as a sustainable alternative to conventional salt for the prevention of oxidative imbalances associated with excessive sodium intake.