Mechanisms and cardiovascular damage in hypertension

Abstract

Angiotensin (Ang) II is considered a regulatory hormone stimulating vascular smooth muscle cell constriction, aldosterone release from the adrenal gland, and sodium reabsorption in the renal tubule. Furthermore, Ang II may be formed and act locally as a chemokine, inducing tyrosine phosphorylation, cell growth, hypertrophy, and differentiation. In addition, evidence has recently accrued showing that Ang II is important in stimulating the production of reactive oxygen species and the activation of ancient inflammatory mechanisms. The transcription factor nuclear factor κ-B is pivotal to these processes. Nuclear factor κ-B activation stimulates the expression of a gene menagerie important to chemoattraction, surface adhesion molecule expression, coagulation, and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory interventions may have therapeutic utility.