Rahimeh Eskandarian
, Mohammad Memarian
* 1 Clinical Research Development Unit, Kowsar Educational, Research and Therapeutic Hospital, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the immune system interact in hypertension through various mechanisms, including inflammation, immune cell infiltration, oxidative stress, and aldosterone-induced hypertension. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between the RAAS and the immune system in hypertension and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, T lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and B lymphocytes are some of the immune cells that have been implicated in hypertension. These immune cells can promote vascular inflammation and remodeling, produce reactive oxygen species and cytokines, and activate the adaptive immune response. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of the immune system in hypertension and to identify potential therapeutic targets.
Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:
Inflammation can contribute to hypertension through various mechanisms, including dysregulated immune responses, immune cell infiltration, oxidative stress, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), endothelial dysfunction, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Inflammatory cytokines can also play a significant role in hypertension by promoting vascular and renal dysfunction. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-6, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), IL-1β are some of the cytokines that have been implicated in hypertension. Reactive oxygen species contribute to oxidative stress in hypertension by promoting vascular injury and impairing blood pressure regulation. Superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite, singlet oxygen, and hydroxyl radical are some of the examples of reactive oxygen species that have been implicated in hypertension.
Please cite this paper as: Eskandarian R, Memarian M. Immune aspects of systemic hypertension; a short-review to recent concepts. J Nephropathol. 2025;14(3):e26570. DOI: 10.34172/jnp.2025.26570.