Immune cells play a bigger role in high blood pressure than previously thought, opening doors for new treatments

[Sly Saint]

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent non-transmittable diseases in the world, with 29% of the world's population expected to suffer from the condition by 2025. Despite substantial advances in anti-hypertensive interventions, a majority of patients continue to suffer from the condition's comorbidities, suggesting that traditional interventions fail to target the root cause of hypertension.

In a recent review published in the journal Nature Reviews Nephrology, researchers collate and discuss a growing body of literature investigating the role of immune cells in hypertension's pathogenesis and progression. They highlight that hypertension arises from chronic, dysregulated inflammation caused by various immune cells, both adaptive and innate. Encouragingly, this review suggests that immune responses, and by extension hypertension, may be amenable to future therapeutic interventions. However, caution must be exercised while identifying key antigens and immune regulatory nodes to prevent compromising patients' natural immune defenses.

Immune cells play a bigger role in high blood pressure than previously thought, opening doors for new treatments (msn.com)

 

[MeSci]

I haven't had time to read the article yet, but just thought I'd post what I have posted elsewhere - that my hypertension, and my polyuria, have both gone, after suffering for many years and taking drugs for them. I wonder whether they were due to dental problems. I talk about it here:

https://www.s4me.info/threads/diarrhoea-caused-by-too-much-desmopressin.36981/#post-521077

(Unfortunately I have diarrhoea again...)

 

[SNT Gatchaman]

Immune mechanisms in the pathophysiology of hypertension (2024)
Nguyen, Bianca A.; Alexander, Matthew R.; Harrison, David G.

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite current anti-hypertensive therapies, most individuals with hypertension fail to achieve adequate blood pressure control. Moreover, even with adequate control, a residual risk of cardiovascular events and associated organ damage remains. These findings suggest that current treatment modalities are not addressing a key element of the underlying pathology. Emerging evidence implicates immune cells as key mediators in the development and progression of hypertension.

In this Review, we discuss our current understanding of the diverse roles of innate and adaptive immune cells in hypertension, highlighting key findings from human and rodent studies. We explore mechanisms by which these immune cells promote hypertensive pathophysiology, shedding light on their multifaceted involvement. In addition, we highlight advances in our understanding of autoimmunity, HIV and immune checkpoints that provide valuable insight into mechanisms of chronic and dysregulated inflammation in hypertension.

Link | PDF (Nature Reviews Nephrology)