Brain-Targeted Reactive Oxygen Species in Hypertension: Unveiling Subcellular Dynamics, Immune Cross-Talk, and Novel Therapeutic Pathways

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-28-2025

Abstract

Hypertension (HTN) is a complex disease with significant global health implications, driven by neural and oxidative mechanisms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), once considered mere metabolic byproducts, are now recognized as one of the key contributors to dysfunction of the autonomic nerve system, which involves the onset and progression of HTN. This review highlights the dynamic roles of ROS in neuronal signaling, subcellular compartmentalization, and brain-immune interactions, focusing on their impacts on synaptic remodeling, neuroinflammation, and epigenetic modifications within key autonomic regions such as the paraventricular nucleus and rostral ventrolateral medulla. We discuss novel ROS sources, including microglia-derived and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related ROS, and their contributions to HTN. Subcellular dynamics, such as ROS signaling at mitochondria-associated membranes and neuronal microdomains, are explored as activators of the sympathetic nerve system. Emerging evidence has linked ROS to epigenetic regulation, including histone modifications and non-coding RNA expression, with sex-specific differences offering insights for the development of personalized therapies. Innovative therapeutic strategies targeting ROS involve precision delivery systems, subcellular modulators, and circadian-optimized antioxidants. We propose several priorities for future research, including the real-time imaging of brain ROS, translating preclinical findings into clinical applications, and leveraging precision medicine to develop tailored interventions based on ROS activity and genetic predisposition. Through emphasizing the spatial and temporal complexity of ROS in HTN, this review identifies novel therapeutic opportunities and establishes a foundation for targeted treatments to address this health challenge.

Publication Title

Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

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