Neuroimmune communication in hypertension and obesity: a new therapeutic angle?

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Neuroimmunology
• Hypertension Research

Background:

• Hypertension is a widespread health issue and a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Many patients with hypertension remain uncontrolled despite existing treatments, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• Increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) outflow and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity are hallmarks of hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the interplay between the RAS, SNS, and immune systems in the neural regulation of blood pressure.
• To propose a model of RAS/neuroimmune interactions in hypertension.
• To discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting these interactions, particularly in obesity-related hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on RAS, SNS, and immune system interactions in blood pressure regulation.
• Synthesis of existing evidence to develop a conceptual model.
• Discussion of therapeutic targets based on the proposed model.

Main Results:

• The RAS, SNS, and immune systems are interconnected and play a crucial role in blood pressure control.
• Hypertension involves complex neuroimmune interactions.
• Targeting these RAS/neuroimmune pathways presents a promising avenue for treating hypertension.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the neuroimmune basis of hypertension is critical for developing new treatments.
• The proposed model highlights the potential of targeting RAS/neuroimmune interactions for managing hypertension.
• This approach may be particularly relevant for addressing obesity-related hypertension.