The role of complement pathway-mediated inflammation and immune regulation in the development of hypertension and related target organ damage

Abstract

<p indent="0mm">Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, the molecular and pathological mechanism of hypertension remains unclear. Recent studies suggest that immune cell activation is involved in the development of hypertension, and chronic low-grade inflammation induces vascular dysfunction and related diseases. The complement pathway, as an important regulator of the immune system, plays a critical role in recruiting immune cells, regulating inflammation and inflammatory factors release. Abnormal activation of complement pathway and up-regulation of complement molecules are involved in the process of hypertension-related cardiovascular diseases. We herein mainly review the role of complement pathway in hypertension and related target organ damage, and propose a potential target for translational research in cardiovascular immunology.