Schematic representation of the hypothesis. HHcy induces hypertension by TLR-4 activation followed by inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) elevation and initiation of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, which lead to cell death and chronic vascular inflammation. TLR-4 mutation attenuates vascular inflammation and cell death, which suppress hypertension. ΔΨm, mitochondrial membrane potential; Apaf-1, apoptotic protease-activating factor 1.