Uncoupling the mechanisms of obesity and hypertension by targeting hypothalamic IKK-β and NF-κB.

ABSTRACT: Obesity-related hypertension has become an epidemic health problem and a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research on the pathophysiology of obesity has implicated a role for the hypothalamus in the pathogenesis of this condition. However, it remains unknown whether the often-seen coupling of hypertension with obesity can also be explained by hypothalamic dysfunction, despite the emerging appreciation that many forms of hypertension are neurogenic in origin. Our studies here revealed that acute activation of the proinflammatory protein nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and its upstream activator IκB kinase-β (IKK-β, encoded by Ikbkb) in the mediobasal hypothalamus rapidly elevated blood pressure in mice independently of obesity. This form of hypothalami

SUBMITTER: Purkayastha S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3134198 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature