Renovascular Hypertension Research Articles

Renovascular hypertension - a primer for the radiologist.

Renovascular hypertension (RVHT) is an important cause of secondary hypertension, accounting for approximately 75% of cases. This pictorial review describes the imaging modalities used to diagnose RVHT, including ultrasound, computed tomography angiography, and magnetic resonance angiography, provides their benefits and limitations, and explores the imaging findings, diagnostic criteria, and management of multiple causes of RVHT. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of RVHT, particularly in older individuals, while fibromuscular dysplasia is more prevalent in younger females. Less common discussed etiologies include polyarteritis nodosa, extrinsic compression, Page kidney, dissection, renal artery (RA) thrombus, and RA aneurysms. This paper also highlights the importance of recognizing anatomical variants and rare conditions that can impact diagnosis and management. While RVHT represents a minority of hypertension cases, its potential reversibility makes accurate diagnosis crucial. Treatment approaches vary based on etiology and may include medical management, angioplasty, stenting, or surgical intervention. This review aims to enhance radiologists' understanding of RVHT, facilitating improved diagnosis and patient care.

Multiple Treatment Strategies of Accessory Renal Artery Related Hypertension: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review.

Renovascular hypertension (RVH) is a primary cause of secondary hypertension, primarily driven by the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation. Recently, growing studies suggested accessory renal artery (ARA) might also contribute to RVH. However, the treatment of ARA-related hypertension and whether to take interventional treatment lack consensus. Herein, we report two cases of ARA-related hypertension in our hospital. Imaging studies of both patients showed ARA stenosis. One patient had ARA occlusion well-compensated through tortuous collateral branches, achieving normal blood pressure by medical treatment alone. The other patient had ARA stenosis coexisted with main renal artery stenosis, and revascularization of both arteries led to a significant postoperative reduction in blood pressure. A literature review was conducted to summarize overall treatment strategies for ARA-related hypertension and clarify the relationship between ARA and hypertension. Recent research supported an association between ARA and hypertension. While medical therapy remains the first-line treatment for ARA-related hypertension, interventional procedures should be considered for patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite conservative management.

Design and implementation of digital home blood pressure monitoring based on Bluetooth and WeChat App in the FAIR-Pilot study

Abstract Background Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) could be an alternative way to office blood pressure and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for hypertensive patient management. However, the measurement protocol of HBPM still requires standardization, which may be improved by digital technology. Purpose To investigate the use of digital HBPM management in hypertensive patients and its application in clinical practice. Methods Fractional Flow Reserve to Determine the Appropriateness of Percutaneous Renal Artery Intervention in Atherosclerosis Renal Hypertension Patients (FAIR)-pilot study is a multicenter pilot randomized controlled trial exploring the application of fractional flow reserve (FFR) to guide the renal artery stenting in patients with renovascular hypertension. After randomization and FFR measurement, participants were divided into stenting with FFR≥ 0.8 (Stent group), no stent implantation with FFR≥ 0.8 (No stent group), and stenting with FFR＜ 0.8 (Controlled group). Participants of the FAIR-pilot study enrolled from February 1st, 2023 to February 25th, 2024 were included. A validated Bluetooth blood pressure monitor was given to every participant at the time of enrollment. Participants were taught to undertake standardized HBP and were advised to take morning and night HBPs every day. HBPM data were automatically uploaded to a WeChat App developed by FAIR investigators and could be reviewed by both participants and investigators. Twice-daily blood pressure reports were automatically generated and sent to investigators for participant compliance monitoring and reminding (Figure 1). HBPM data and blood pressure variability were analyzed. Results A total of 93 participants with 58 males (62.4%) and a mean age of 59.97 ± 16.18 years, including 26,802 HBP readings were analyzed. The average numbers of daily HBP measurement were similar between three groups and were all less than twice a day. Systolic HBP decreased from 143.11 ± 14.91 to 133.01 ± 13.01mmHg after the procedure in the Controlled group, which was more than the other two groups (140.51 ± 13.38 to 138.53 ± 17.30 mmHg and 136.20 ± 15.67 to 130.84 ± 11.04 mmHg). During the follow-up after the procedure, the HBP variability (BPV) of overall participants was 13.78 ± 4.87 and 5.46 ± 3.14 for systolic and diastolic BP, respectively. The systolic BPV of No stent group was higher than the other two groups (No stent vs. Stent vs. Controlled: 33.00 ± 9.49 vs. 8.34 ± 2.86 vs. 9.12 ± 2.71, P=0.125), however without statistical significance. Similar was found for morning and night systolic BPVs. (Table 1). Conclusion Digital HBPM management via novel information technology is feasible in the hypertension field and could be a helpful tool in clinical practice.

Combining fractional flow reserve and the index of microcirculatory resistance for prognosis prediction in renal artery stenosis interventions: a feasibility sub-study of FAIR-pilot trial

Abstract Background Interventional therapies for renal artery stenosis (RAS) was debatable in previous randomized trials. Fractional flow reserve (FFR), while useful in coronary interventions, does not assess microcirculatory status, which may be critical in RAS. The index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) provides additional microvascular information, which has not been used in RAS patients. Purpose To investigate the feasibility of IMR measurement in RAS patients and the association with the outcome. Methods FAIR-pilot study is a multicenter pilot randomized controlled trial exploring the application of FFR to guide the renal artery stenting in patients with renovascular hypertension (NCT05732077). A pressure-temperature sensor guidewire was used to measure the IMR. To derive mean transit time at rest, thermodilution curves were obtained by 3 injections of 4 mL of room temperature saline down the renal artery. Hyperemia was induced using dopamine 50μg/kg bolus to the renal artery. The IMR was calculated as distal arterial pressure (Pd) x mean transit time during hyperemia (TmnH) (Figure 1). Prognostic evaluation was based on improvements in postoperative blood pressure, which was assessed using both ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM) and anti-hypertensive medication number, along with renal function, as determined by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results The IMR was measured among five patients enrolled in FAIR-pilot study. As shown in Table 1 and 2, stent implantation was conducted on five lesions across patients 1 to 4 based on renal FFR < 0.8, with each experiencing varying degrees of improved blood pressure control subsequently. Patient 5 did not receive a stent and was lost to follow-up. At three-month, the recorded decrease in systolic blood pressure ranged from a maximum of 34 mmHg to a minimum decrease of -6 mmHg among the four patients. The antihypertensive medication number showed a maximum reduction of 2 and no change as the minimum. We observed a correlation between baseline IMR and baseline renal function. No significant change in IMR was noted after interventional procedures. Preliminary findings suggest that IMR measurement is feasible in patients with RAS, while the ∆T (temperature change time) was very small, which potentially increasing the measurement bias. Conclusion The study suggests measuring IMR in patients with RAS is feasible and can offer information into the renal microvasculature. However, the small ∆T encountered during measurement may introduce increased bias, which should be considered when interpreting results.

Predicting mortality of type-2 diabetes mellitus by applying machine learning to electronic medical records in the west of scotland and hong kong

Abstract Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with accelerated development of atherosclerosis and a reduced life expectancy. Using machine learning (ML) to identify novel characteristics from electronic medical records (EMRs) associated with prognosis may increase prognostic precision and find new targets for investigation and treatment. Aim We used a novel ML approach to investigate the use of EMRs to predict all-cause mortality in two ethnically and geographically different populations; one from the West of Scotland (WoS) and the other from Hong Kong. Methods We obtained EMRs including demographics, prior comorbidities, laboratory measurements, medications, and mortality. Multivariable Cox regression and time-dependent random forest model were used to identify predictors of all-cause mortality in patients with T2DM. Subsequently, we applied a state-of-the-art ML interpretability method, to gain further insight into the key predictors. Results In WoS, 46,031 individuals received a new diagnosis of T2DM between 2009 and 2019. Their median age was 66 (IQR: 56 to 75) years. Within 10 years, 11,727 (25%) deaths were recorded. In Hong Kong, 273,876 patients with a first-attendance with T2DM at public hospitals or clinics were included, with follow-up until December 2019. The median age of the patients was 64 (IQR: 57 to 72) years. Within 10 years, 91,155 (33%) deaths were recorded. For both cohorts, the strongest predictor for all-cause mortality was prescription of loop diuretics (Figure 1). For the WoS, other important predictors were greater age, lower serum albumin, elevated alanine transaminase (ALT), increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lower estimated glomerular function rate (eGFR) (c-index: 0.83; Brier score: 0.07). For Hong Kong, predictive variables were remarkably similar and included greater age, lower eGFR, lower haemoglobin and lymphocytes, lower serum albumin, and elevated ALP (c-index: 0.85; Brier score: 0.06). Multivariable Cox regression adjusting for age and sex showed a higher mortality amongst those prescribed loop diuretics compared to those who were not (WoS: hazard ratio: 1.549, 95% CI: 1.521 to 1.575; Hong Kong: hazard ratio: 1.745 (95% CI: 1.721 to 1.769). Only a minority of patients prescribed loop diuretics had a diagnosis of heart failure, end-stage renal disease or resistant hypertension. Conclusion Amongst patients with recent-onset T2DM, prescription of loop diuretics was the most important predictor of all-cause mortality in both WoS and Hong Kong. Prescription of loop diuretics might be a pharmacological marker of congestion and undiagnosed heart failure or loop diuretics might have deleterious effects on the outcome of patients with T2DM.Fig 1:Predictors of all-cause Mortality

Effects of supportive hemodialysis on the management of a pregnant woman with advanced chronic kidney disease: a case report and literature review

BackgroundPregnancy in women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including worsening renal function, hypertension, proteinuria, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, stillbirth, and intrauterine growth restriction. Some pregnant women with CKD may require dialysis after conception. Clinical guidelines provide recommendations for optimal hemodialysis prescription in pregnant women undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for end-stage kidney disease. However, the timing of initiation and optimal doses of hemodialysis for pregnant women with non-dialysis advanced CKD remain uncertain.Case presentationWe describe the case of a 29-year-old woman with a history of CKD for at least 2 years. She was referred to our department with a serum creatinine level of 2.48 mg/dL and an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 20 mL/min/1.73 m2. Because she was found to be pregnant at the initial visit, she was referred to the Department of Obstetrics. At 23 weeks’ gestation, she was admitted due to threatened premature delivery and urinary tract infection, which were managed with ritodrine hydrochloride and antibiotics. Owing to maternal weight loss and asymmetrical fetal growth restriction, daily protein intake was increased from 40 g/day to 60–80 g/day. Additionally, supportive hemodialysis (three times per week) was initiated at 26 weeks’ gestation, and the pre-dialysis blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was consistently maintained < 40 mg/dL. Consequently, the patient’s weight increased, and fetal growth recovered. Because her blood pressure increased particularly during and after dialysis sessions, dialysis was discontinued at 32 weeks’ gestation. Urinary protein increased to a nephrotic level, and blood pressure was poorly controlled by medication, suggesting the onset of preeclampsia. Thus, a cesarean section was performed at 33 weeks’ gestation, and she delivered a male baby weighing 1449 g. Following childbirth, the patient did not require hemodialysis.ConclusionsSupportive hemodialysis during pregnancy in women with advanced CKD can increase maternal protein intake without elevating BUN levels, leading to improved fetal growth.

Assessment of renal artery stenosis using renal fractional flow reserve and correlation with angiography and color Doppler ultrasonography: data from FAIR-pilot trial.

Renal fractional flow reserve (rFFR), a hemodynamic evaluation indicator for functional measurement, could be used for the detection of significant renal artery stenosis (RAS). In this study, we evaluated the correlation between color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU), angiography and rFFR in assessing RAS and to validate cut-off points of ultrasound parameters for significant RAS with rFFR<0.8. A total of 77 renal artery lesions from 58 patients with at least unilateral RAS were included into this study. All patients were participated in Fractional Flow Reserve to Determine the Appropriateness of Percutaneous Renal Artery Intervention in Atherosclerosis Renal Hypertension Patients (FAIR)-pilot study (NCT05732077). The rFFR was measured through a pressure wire after renal hyperemia induced by dopamine. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), renal-to-aortic ratio (RAR), resistive index (RI) and side-to-side differences of the intrarenal resistive indices (ΔRI) were obtained by CDU. The rFFR showed good correlation with both CDU and angiography assessment methods. Among CDU parameters, the best correlation was observed in rFFR with PSV (rho = -0.668, P < 0.0001) and RAR (rho = -0.597, P < 0.001). With a rFFR<0.80 as cut-off value for significant RAS, we computed sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of CDU parameters. The most predicting cut-off points of CDU parameters were calculated as PSV for 2.415 m/s, RAR for 4.495, RI for 0.605 and ΔRI for 0.04, respectively. A PSV > 2.415 m/s provided a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 75%, accuracy of 81% and AUC of 0.84 for detecting RAS with rFFR<0.8.

A case report with literature review: long-term follow-up of kidney autotransplantation in fibromuscular dysplasia.

Fibromuscular dysplasia is a rare, idiopathic, systemic, non-inflammatory, and non-atherosclerotic vascular disease that primarily affects young women. It often presents as renal artery stenosis. Fibromuscular dysplasia can induce tissue damage in the post-stenotic kidney. Treatment options include antihypertensive therapy, surgical revascularization, and transluminal angioplasty with stent implantation. However, kidney autotransplantation is an alternative when these treatments are not feasible. This study presents a case report of a 22-year-old woman with fibromuscular dysplasia, highlighting the long-term success of kidney autotransplantation and reviewing the related literature. A multidisciplinary approach was employed in the treatment of this patient presenting with intermittent headaches, hypertension, and acute kidney disease, andwho was diagnosed with fibromuscular dysplasia. She underwent left aorta-renal bypass and right autotransplantation. Following the procedure, her serum creatinine level decreased from 2.74 to 1.1mg/dL, with an eight-year follow-up confirming the favorableoutcome. Renal artery stenosis is a significant contributor to secondary hypertension, with fibromuscular dysplasia being a rarecause. While medical and interventional treatments are usually effective, complex cases may necessitate alternative approaches. Kidney autotransplantation, albeit uncommon, is an effective option for patients who are unresponsive to conventional therapies. This case demonstrates the successful management of fibromuscular dysplasia-associated renovascular hypertension via kidney autotransplantation, resulting in controlled blood pressure and preserved kidney function. In conclusion, kidney autotransplantation represents a valuable therapeutic option for severe renal artery stenosis caused by fibromuscular dysplasia, particularly when percutaneous procedures are impractical.

Molecular Insight into Obesity-Associated Nephropathy: Clinical Implications and Possible Strategies for its Management.

Obesity is a significant health concern due to its rapid increase worldwide. It has been linked to the pathogenic factors of renal diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. Notably, obesity raises the likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to higher adult mortality and morbidity rates. This study explores the molecular mechanisms that underlie obesity-associated nephropathy and its clinical implications. Obesity-Associated Nephropathy (OAN) develops and worsens due to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, which promote renal sodium reabsorption, glomerular hyperfiltration, and hypertension, leading to progressive kidney damage. Renal damage is further aggravated by persistent inflammation and redox damage, mediated by adipokines and proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin- aldosterone system (RAAS) intensifies glomerular hypertension and fibrosis. These elements cause glomerular hyperfiltration, renal hypertrophy, and progressive kidney damage. Clinical manifestations of obesity-associated nephropathy include proteinuria, reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and ultimately, CKD. Management strategies currently focus on lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss through diet and exercise, which have been effective in reducing proteinuria and improving GFR. Pharmacological treatments targeting metabolic pathways, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, have shown renoprotective properties. Additionally, traditional RAAS inhibitors offer therapeutic benefits. Early detection and comprehensive management of OAN are essential to prevent its progression and lessen the burden of CKD.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to the Major Secondary Causes of Arterial Hypertension in Young Adults: A Narrative Review

Arterial hypertension in young adults, which includes patients between 19 and 40 years of age, has been increasing in recent years and is associated with a significantly higher risk of target organ damage and short-term mortality. It has been reported that up to 10% of these cases are due to a potentially reversible secondary cause, mainly of endocrine (primary aldosteronism, Cushing’s syndrome, and pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma), renal (renovascular hypertension due to fibromuscular dysplasia and renal parenchymal disease), or cardiac (coarctation of the aorta) origin. It is recommended to rule out a secondary cause of high blood pressure (BP) in those patients with early onset of grade 2 or 3 hypertension, acute worsening of previously controlled hypertension, resistant hypertension, hypertensive emergency, severe target organ damage disproportionate to the grade of hypertension, or in the face of clinical or biochemical characteristics suggestive of a secondary cause of hypertension. The 2023 Guideline of the European Society of Hypertension recommends starting pharmacological therapy from grade 1 hypertension (BP ≥140/90 mm Hg), with the aim of achieving BP control of less than 130/80 mm Hg. It is important to highlight that the prevalence of secondary hypertension in these patients could be underestimated, given that there is little evidence available on the management of high BP in young adults, which is why we developed this narrative review on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to the major secondary causes of arterial hypertension in young adults.

Malignant arterial hypertension in a child with nonspecific aortoarteritis

The article presents a clinical case of malignant renovascular hypertension in a child, resulting from non-specific aortoarteritis. The disease initially manifested with abdominal pain and convulsions, leading to hospitalization. During the hospital stay, blood pressure readings were elevated to 180/100 mmHg and higher. Over the course of a year, the patient underwent pathogenetic (immunosuppressive), combined (triple) antihypertensive treatment, and symptomatic therapy. Due to the malignant nature of the hypertension, progression of organ damage, a high risk of complications and mortality, and the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment, surgical interventions were performed. The first stage involved polyposition abdominal aortography and stent-graft implantation in the abdominal aorta. Despite restored blood flow in the abdominal aorta, blood pressure remained elevated over the following three months, even with ongoing antihypertensive therapy. As a result, a nephrectomy was performed at the second stage. Postoperatively, the patient’s blood pressure significantly decreased to 130/90–120/80 mmHg. Antihypertensive therapy was continued to reach lower target blood pressure values. Non-specific aortoarteritis remains a prognostically unfavorable condition, even after reconstructive surgery, owning to its autoimmune nature, which suggests ongoing arterial inflammation even during clinical remission. This necessitates lifelong monitoring by a rheumatologist.

Diffusely Increased FDG Uptake of the Kidney Caused by Severe Renal Artery Stenosis.

Renal artery stenosis can result in renovascular hypertension and ischemic nephropathy. We describe FDG PET/CT and delayed abdominal FDG PET/MRI findings in a kidney associated with severe renal artery stenosis resulting from renal artery invasion in retroperitoneal alveolar echinococcosis. The renal parenchyma showed diffusely increased activity on both FDG PET/CT and delayed FDG PET/MRI. There was no activity in the renal collecting system on FDG PET/CT and focal urine activity in the renal calyces on delayed FDG PET/MRI. This case indicates that renal artery stenosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of diffuse renal parenchymal FDG uptake.

6984 New Onset Diabetes After Transplant: Need for Strict Glucose Monitoring

Abstract Disclosure: T. Chaudhary: None. O. Syed: None. M. Nawaz: None. R. Kaur: None. Introduction: Immunosuppressant use comes at a cost of challenging side effects, which are being discovered more as its use increases. One such example is our case of new-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT).Patient presentation: A 36-year-old male with a past medical history of end-stage renal disease status post renal transplant (6/2023), hypertension, and hyperlipidemia who presented to the hospital in 10/2023 with fever, chills, and diarrhea. His vitals at that time were as follows: temperature 36.1C, blood pressure 148/84 mmHg, pulse 87 bpm, and a respiratory rate of 22. Lab work was significant for blood glucose 1144, anion gap 22, bicarbonate 13, potassium 7.3, Sodium 135, lipase 427, pH 7.3, urine ketones 80, HbA1C 11.5 %. CT scan of the abdomen revealed loss of peripancreatic fat and inflammatory changes surrounding the pancreas. His medication review included Tacrolimus 12 mg daily, Mycophenolate 500 mg BID, Valtrex 500mg daily, and fluconazole 200mg every other day. He was treated with 2 liters of normal saline bolus and started on maintenance fluid, and insulin drip as per DKA protocol. Calcium gluconate and an albuterol nebulizer were given for hyperkalemia. Tacrolimus and prednisone were held. Endocrinology and Nephrology were consulted. The patient was thought to have diabetes due to steroid use which were discontinued and the patient was discharged on subcutaneous insulin regimen and lower dose of tacrolimus. Despite discontinuation of steroids, patients continued to have raised glucose readings confirming the causative agent as tacrolimus. Conclusion: The current guidelines for post-kidney transplant patients recommend checking fasting blood glucose weekly for the first four weeks, then biweekly for two months, and then monthly thereafter. HbA1C should be checked every 3 months and if it is &amp;gt;6% then home glucose monitoring should be done as well. Although the frequency of these check-ups decreases, it is imperative for physicians to remember that patients can still develop NODAT months post-transplant. It is also essential to reinforce the importance of these glucose checks for the patient as missed diagnosis can lead to dangerous complications such as DKA. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Renal Tubule-Specific Deletion of Aldosterone Synthase CYP11B2 Improves 2-Kidney, 1-Clip-Induced Ischemic Nephropathy, and Renovascular Hypertension in Mice

Renal Tubule-Specific Deletion of Aldosterone Synthase CYP11B2 Improves 2-Kidney, 1-Clip-Induced Ischemic Nephropathy, and Renovascular Hypertension in Mice

Characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of spontaneous renal artery dissection: a 10-year retrospective single-center experience.

Spontaneous renal artery dissection (SRAD) is a rare cause of renal failure and renovascular hypertension, with the diagnosis often being delayed and treatment varying across different centers. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to scrutinize the characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes of patients with SRAD at our center over the past ten years. Furthermore, the study sought to identify the most suitable treatment options for different categories of patients with SRAD. Data from 21 consecutive patients who presented with symptoms of SRAD from December 2013 to December 2023 were collected. Lesion characteristics, treatment options, blood pressure (BP) control, serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were analyzed. A paired t-test was used for comparisons of BP, serum creatinine, and eGFR. An independent samples t-test was used to analyze baseline BP and BP change in different treatment groups. The mean age, weight, and height of patients with SRAD was 49.2±13.0 (range, 18-69) years, 69.0±9.7 (range, 50-80) kg, and 1.7±0.1 (range 1.6-1.8) m, respectively. New-onset hypertension was found in 8 (38.1%) patients. Renal artery dissecting aneurysm and renal artery stenosis were found in 1 (4.8%) and 4 (19.0%) patients, respectively. Supportive medical treatment alone, endovascular intervention, and nephrectomy were required in 15, 4 and 2 cases, respectively. Stable renal function and satisfactory hypertension control were obtained in all treatment groups, with a median follow-up of 18.1 (range, 12-32) months. Medical management is a reasonable choice in most patients with SRAD. Interventional management is an efficacious strategy for the management of renovascular hypertension and the preservation of renal function.

An Unusual Case of Renovascular Hypertension in a Pediatric Patient Associated with Hyponatremia and Polyuria Responding to Angioplasty and Losartan

An Unusual Case of Renovascular Hypertension in a Pediatric Patient Associated with Hyponatremia and Polyuria Responding to Angioplasty and Losartan

Chronic cannabidiol treatment induces cardiovascular improvement in renovascular hypertensive rats.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is increasingly studied for its therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases. Previous research on acute CBD administration has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in hypertensive rats, including reduced mean blood pressure and oxidative stress. To investigate the long-term cardiovascular effects of chronic CBD treatment in renovascular hypertension induced by the 2-kidney-1-clip (2K1C) model. Male Wistar rats (180-200 g, 8 weeks old) underwent 2K1C or SHAM surgery. Six weeks later, rats received chronic CBD treatment (20 mg/kg, twice daily for 14 days). A combination of ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo methods was used to assess CBD's cardiovascular effects in 2K1C hypertensive rats. Chronic CBD treatment significantly reduced blood pressure and the depressor response to hexamethonium (a ganglionic blocker). It also normalized variability in low-frequency (LF) power and LF/high-frequency (HF) ratio. CBD enhanced vasodilation and reduced vasoconstriction in the mesenteric artery of 2K1C rats, accompanied by decreased expression of aortic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our findings suggest that chronic CBD treatment exerts antihypertensive effects by improving baroreflex sensitivity and vascular function while decreasing arterial ROS levels and sympathetic nerve activity. These results underscore CBD's potential therapeutic role in managing cardiovascular complications associated with renovascular hypertension.

Mechanism Actions of Coniferyl Alcohol in Improving Cardiac Dysfunction in Renovascular Hypertension Studied by Experimental Verification and Network Pharmacology.

Renovascular hypertension (RH), a secondary hypertension, can significantly impact heart health, resulting in heart damage and dysfunction, thereby elevating the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Coniferol (CA), which has vascular relaxation properties, is expected to be able to treat hypertension-related diseases. However, its potential effects on cardiac function after RH remain unclear. In this study, in combination with network pharmacology, the antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of CA in a two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) mice model and its ability to mitigate angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertrophy in H9C2 cells were investigated. The findings revealed that CA effectively reduced blood pressure, myocardial tissue damage, and inflammation after RH. The possible targets of CA for RH treatment were screened by network pharmacology. The interleukin-17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways were identified using a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The inflammatory response was identified using a Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Western blot analysis confirmed that CA reduced the expression of IL-17, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), and TNF α in heart tissues and the H9C2 cells. In summary, CA inhibited cardiac inflammation and fibrohypertrophy following RH. This effect was closely linked to the expression of MMP9/COX2/TNF α/IL-17. This study sheds light on the therapeutic potential of CA for treating RH-induced myocardial hypertrophy and provides insights into its underlying mechanisms, positioning CA as a promising candidate for future drug development.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Secondary Hypertension in Young Adults.

The prevalence of secondary causes of hypertension in young adults is unknown, and therefore, there is no consensus about the indication of screening of secondary hypertension (2HTN) in this population. The objective was to report the prevalence and the causes of 2HTN in young subjects. 2090 patients with confirmed hypertension aged 18 to 40 years with full workup for 2HTN screening were included in this cross-sectional study. We assessed the prevalence of 2HTN and analyzed the factors associated. 619/2090 patients (29.6%) had a 2HTN. The most frequent diagnoses of 2HTN in descending order were primary aldosteronism (n=339; 54.8%), renovascular hypertension (n=114; 18.4%), primary kidney disease (n=80; 12.9%), pheochromocytoma/functional paraganglioma (n=37; 5.9%), hypertension caused by drugs or substances (n=32; 6.0%), and other diagnoses (n=17; 2.7%). Patients with blood pressure <160/100 mm Hg did not have a lower prevalence of 2HTN regardless of the number of treatments. The prevalence of 2HTN was higher in the decade between 30 and 40 years of age than between 18 and 30 years of age (P=0.024). Female sex, hypokalemia, treatment with at least 2 medications, no familial history of hypertension, body mass index <25 kg/m², and diabetes were associated with a higher prevalence of 2HTN. The prevalence of 2HTN is high among young patients with hypertension (29.6% in our cohort), regardless of age and blood pressure level. All patients with hypertension under 40 years of age should be screened for secondary causes.

Exploring new horizons: angiotensin II, angiotensin II type 1 receptor, and renal outer medullary potassium channel interaction in distal convoluted tubule.

This study investigates angiotensin II (Ang II)'s regulatory mechanism on renal outer medullary potassium channel (ROMK) activity in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) during low potassium intake, focusing on the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) pathway activation mediated by the Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R). Utilizing a low potassium diet mouse model, various methods including patch clamping, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining were applied to analyze ROMK channel activity and the expression of related proteins. The findings reveal that Ang II inhibits ROMK activity in the DCT2 membrane through AT1R activation, with the JAK2 pathway playing a central role. Further, inhibiting JAK2 reverses this effect, indicating its potential in hypertension treatment. This study provides novel insights into the role of Ang II in renal potassium excretion and hypertension pathophysiology.