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Mycophenolate mofetil treatment improves hypertension in patients with psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis

Jose Herrera1, Atilio Ferrebuz, Ernesto García MacGregor

  • 1Renal Service, Hospital Universitario, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Estado Zulia, Venezuela.

Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN
|November 30, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) significantly reduced blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This suggests that kidney inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to human hypertension, offering potential therapeutic insights.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Immunology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Experimental models suggest kidney inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to hypertension.
  • Human studies are limited due to the unsuitability of immunosuppressive treatments for hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of renal immune cell infiltration and oxidative stress in human hypertension.
  • To assess the effect of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on blood pressure and related biomarkers in hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

  • Studied eight patients with essential hypertension and normal renal function, prescribed MMF for other conditions.
  • Monitored blood pressure and urinary biomarkers (TNF-alpha, malondialdehyde, RANTES) during three phases: before, during, and after MMF treatment.
  • Maintained consistent diet and other treatments throughout the study.

Main Results:

  • MMF therapy significantly reduced systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure.
  • Urinary TNF-alpha excretion decreased during MMF treatment and increased upon discontinuation.
  • Reductions in urinary malondialdehyde and RANTES showed a positive correlation with blood pressure levels.

Conclusions:

  • MMF treatment effectively lowered blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension.
  • Findings support the hypothesis that renal immune cell infiltration and oxidative stress are implicated in human hypertension.
  • Suggests a potential therapeutic role for targeting inflammation and oxidative stress in managing hypertension.

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