Obesity-induced Hypertension: Role of Sympathetic Nervous System, Leptin, and Melanocortins

Overview

Journal J Biol Chem

Specialty Biochemistry

Date 2010 Mar 30

PMID 20348094

Citations 243

Authors

John E Hall

Alexandre A da Silva

Jussara M do Carmo

John Dubinion

Shereen Hamza

Shankar Munusamy

Grant Smith

David E Stec

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Excess weight gain contributes to increased blood pressure in most patients with essential hypertension. Although the mechanisms of obesity hypertension are not fully understood, increased renal sodium reabsorption and impaired pressure natriuresis play key roles. Several mechanisms contribute to altered kidney function and hypertension in obesity, including activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which appears to be mediated in part by increased levels of the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin, stimulation of pro-opiomelanocortin neurons, and subsequent activation of central nervous system melanocortin 4 receptors.

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