CRP liver protein induces hypertension, UT Southwestern researchers ...( is a lack of the key signaling molecule...),Health

"Whether these same processes are operative in humans is yet to be determined," said Dr. Vongpatanasin. "We are also pursuing follow-up studies to further understand better how CRP causes the high blood pressure in the mice."

The ultimate goal of the research is to discover how CRP interacts with molecules in the artery wall, leading to a better understanding of hypertension and pointing to new ways to treat it, Dr. Vongpatanasin said.

"We have uncovered a series of mechanisms that link a circulating factor that rises with chronic inflammation, obesity and aging to the regulation of blood pressure," said Dr. Philip Shaul, professor of pediatrics at UT Southwestern and the study's senior author. "Doing so provides a new perspective on how these conditions have a negative impact on cardiovascular health."

'"/>

Contact: Katherine Morales
katherine.morales@utsouthwestern.edu
214-648-3404
UT Southwestern Medical Center
19-Feb-2007