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Roles of inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction in hypertension
Quynh N Dinh1, Grant R Drummond1, Christopher G Sobey1
1Vascular Biology & Immunopharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
Insights
Inflammation may cause hypertension, a common cardiovascular risk factor. This review explores how inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction contribute to hypertension development, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory treatments.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Immunology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Hypertension is a leading cardiovascular risk factor, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
- Essential hypertension, comprising 90% of cases, has an unknown precise cause.
- The relationship between hypertension and inflammation is complex, with causality debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking inflammation to hypertension development in human and animal studies.
- To examine the roles of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in hypertension.
- To discuss contributing proinflammatory factors and potential anti-inflammatory therapies for hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Review of human and animal studies on inflammation and hypertension.
- Analysis of evidence for oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction involvement.
- Discussion of other contributing factors like sympathetic nervous system activation, aging, and aldosterone.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests inflammation can lead to hypertension development.
- Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are implicated in the inflammatory cascade of hypertension.
- Aging and elevated aldosterone may contribute to both inflammation and hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Inflammation is a potential causative factor in hypertension.
- Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are key components of the inflammatory pathway in hypertension.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs may offer future therapeutic benefits for hypertension treatment.
Abstract:
Hypertension is a complex condition and is the most common cardiovascular risk factor, contributing to widespread morbidity and mortality. Approximately 90% of hypertension cases are classified as essential hypertension, where the precise cause is unknown. Hypertension is associated with inflammation; however, whether inflammation is a cause or effect of hypertension is not well understood. The purpose of this review is to describe evidence from human and animal studies that inflammation leads to the development of hypertension, as well as the evidence for involvement of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction--both thought to be key steps in the development of hypertension. Other potential proinflammatory conditions that contribute to hypertension-such as activation of the sympathetic nervous system, aging, and elevated aldosterone--are also discussed. Finally, we consider the potential benefit of anti-inflammatory drugs and statins for antihypertensive therapy. The evidence reviewed suggests that inflammation can lead to the development of hypertension and that oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are involved in the inflammatory cascade. Aging and aldosterone may also both be involved in inflammation and hypertension. Hence, in the absence of serious side effects, anti-inflammatory drugs could potentially be used to treat hypertension in the future.
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