Possible Role of Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Hypertension

  1. Antonio Ceriello, MD
  1. From the Centre of Excellence in Diabetes and Endocrinology, University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, U.K
  1. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Prof. Antonio Ceriello, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Science Research Institute, Clinical Science Building, University Hospital–Walsgrave Campus, Clifford Bridge Rd., Coventry CV2 2DX, U.K. E-mail: antonio.ceriello{at}warwick.ac.uk

Abstract

Recently oxidative stress has been proposed as the cause of hypertension. An imbalance in superoxide and nitric oxide production may account for reduced vasodilation, which in turn can favor the development of hypertension. In vitro and in human studies support this hypothesis. The supplementation of antioxidants, particularly in the form of fresh fruit and vegetables, reduces blood pressure, supporting a role for free radicals in hypertension.

Footnotes

  • The authors of this article have no relevant duality of interest to declare.

  • This article is based on a presentation at the 1st World Congress of Controversies in Diabetes, Obesity and Hypertension (CODHy). The Congress and the publication of this article were made possible by unrestricted educational grants from MSD, Roche, sanofi-aventis, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, LifeScan, World Wide, Eli Lilly, Keryx, Abbott, Novartis, Pfizer, Generx Biotechnology, Schering, and Johnson & Johnson.

« Previous | Next Article »Table of Contents