Molecular pathways of aging and hypertension

Purpose of review This review is aimed at describing the latest advances made in understanding the pathogenesis of vascular aging and hypertension and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Recent findings p66shc and endothelin-1 are highly implicated in vascular aging and hypertension, respectively. Increased production of reactive oxygen species observed in aging and hypertension may provide the missing link interconnecting endothelin-1 and p66shc. Through several studies performed in animal models and patients, both of these targets have been shown to be highly implicated, although differently, in the pathogenesis of aging and hypertension. Summary Future research should be directed toward elucidating a mediator or set of mediators which regulate these targets and which may be the common denominator underlying molecular aspects of vascular aging and hypertension.