Nitroso-redox imbalance in glucocorticoid-induced hypertension [ 2007 - 2009 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Yi Zhang (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Judith Whitworth ,  The Australian National University (Managed by)

Brief description High blood pressure (hypertension) affects 20-30 % of Australian adults and in about 90-95 % of these individuals the hypertension is considered essential (cause unknown). Globally, it is the number 1 risk factor for death, and number 3 for disability (World Health Report 2002). The major consequences of hypertension are heart attack and stroke. Glucocorticoid (adrenal steroid hormone) induced hypertension and consequent cardiovascular morbidity-mortality is an important clinical problem. Although naturally occurring glucocorticoid (GC) hypertension (Cushing's syndrome) is relatively rare, synthetic GC are widely used in clinical practice (in numerous inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and transplantation) and produce substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Further, abnormal GC breakdown (metabolism) and sensitivity to GC have been reported in around a third of essential hypertensive patients. We therefore need to understand how GC raise blood pressure and whether we can prevent and-or reverse these blood pressure raising effects. In the proposed studies, we will explore the role of relative deficiency of blood vessel dilating nitric oxide and nitric oxide inhibition by excess superoxide (nitroso-redox imbalance) in the genesis of GC hypertension. Further, we will identify agents known to be suitable for clinical use which are effective in preventing-reversing GC hypertension in the rat and are thus appropriate for clinical trials to prevent-reverse GC hypertension in humans. These studies will help answer the question of how GC raises blood pressure so that safer steroids can be designed, as well as identify agents that can potentially prevent or treat GC hypertension in humans.

Funding Amount $AUD 341,210.05

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes New Investigator Grant