Figure 3. Vascular Inflammation.

Ang II, aldosterone, cytokines, and shear stress all stimulate adhesion factors to promote immune cell recruitment. Activation of immune cell myeloperoxidases and NADPH oxidases increase vascular ROS, metalloproteinases, tumor TGF-β, and pro-inflammatory endothelial cytokines and chemokines. These all promote endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, decreased vascular flow, and perpetuate the cycle of inflammation and RAS activation.