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| Figure 1: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and hypertension. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as those listed in Table 1, bind to and activate TLR4, which exists as a homodimer in the plasma membrane of many cell types. Activated TLR4 recruits adaptor proteins complexes MyD88/ MAL and TRAM/TRIF, which in turn recruit and activate IRAK4, IRAK1, TRAF6 and IRF3, leading to MAPK (Erk and p38) and NF-κB activation and subsequent release of pro-inflammatory molecules such as cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The resulting inflammatory damage of the blood vessel, heart, kidney and central nervous system contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension. |
