Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2025
08:08
Two-photon Imaging of Intracellular Ca2+ Handling and Nitric Oxide Production in Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells of an Isolated Rat Aorta
Published on: June 10, 2015
11.4K
Recent Advances in Hypertension: Epigenetic Mechanism Involved in Development of Salt-Sensitive Hypertension
1Division of Clinical Epigenetics, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, Japan. Shinshu University, School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan. Research Center for Social Systems, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan.
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)
|December 30, 2022
Summary
Environmental factors can epigenetically alter genes, leading to salt-sensitive hypertension across generations. Understanding DNA methylation and histone modification offers new avenues for hypertension prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Cardiovascular Science
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Salt-sensitive hypertension is a significant health concern with complex regulatory mechanisms.
- Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modification, play a crucial role in gene regulation.
- Environmental exposures during critical developmental windows can have long-lasting effects on health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent insights into the epigenetic mechanisms underlying salt-sensitive hypertension.
- To focus on DNA methylation and histone modification in regulating hypertension-associated genes.
- To explore the impact of environmental factors from fetal development to elderly age.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on epigenetic mechanisms in salt-sensitive hypertension.
- Focus on specific genes like AT1a, Rac1, and Klotho.
- Analysis of how maternal exposures (malnutrition, lipopolysaccharide) and aging affect epigenetic regulation.
Main Results:
- Maternal malnutrition upregulates AT1a via DNA methylation, leading to prenatal programmed salt-sensitive hypertension.
- Maternal lipopolysaccharide exposure causes transgenerational Rac1 upregulation via histone modification (H3K9me2), activating the Rac1-MR pathway.
- Aberrant DNA methylation of the Klotho gene in aging mice decreases Klotho levels, activating the Wnt5a-RhoA pathway and causing vasoconstriction.
Conclusions:
- Environmental factors induce epigenetic changes that contribute to salt-sensitive hypertension throughout the lifespan.
- Aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications are key mechanisms in developing hypertension.
- Understanding these environmentally-induced epigenetic modulations is crucial for developing novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for hypertension.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
34
Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
34
01:28Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
680
Liddle syndrome is a genetically inherited form of hypertension characterized by the overactivity of epithelial sodium channels in the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney. This heightened activity leads to increased sodium reabsorption and excessive excretion of potassium. To counteract this, potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride are used. They function by blocking these sodium channels, thereby reducing the influx of sodium into the epithelial cells and minimizing the loss of...
680
01:33Hormonal Regulation
33.6K
The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
33.6K
01:17Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure
3.0K
Endocrinal or hormonal intervention in the cardiovascular system is predominantly exerted by the catecholamines - epinephrine and norepinephrine, as well as a slew of hormones that interact with renal function to modulate blood volume.
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction...
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction...
3.0K
02:02Responses to Salt Stress
13.2K
Salt stress—which can be triggered by high salt concentrations in a plant’s environment—can significantly affect plant growth and crop production by influencing photosynthesis and the absorption of water and nutrients.
13.2K
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
2.2K
Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
2.2K