FIGURE 1.

Schematic presentation regarding the role of vascular dysfunction in hypertension. The blood vessels are constituted of VSMCs, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, and inflammatory cells, which are mandatory for vascular homeostasis. The excessive proliferation and migration of VSMCs, increased oxidative stress and impaired NO bioavailability in the endothelium, adventitial fibroblast activation, as well as macrophages-mediated vascular inflammation are important contributors to the development of hypertensive vascular remodeling. VSMCs, vascular smooth muscle cells; NO, nitric oxide.