Figure:

Schematic illustrating the potential mechanisms involved in the female heightened salt sensitivity of blood pressure and proposing an overactivation of the “aldosterone-endothelial cell mineralocorticoid receptor axis” leading to reduced nitric oxide production, vascular dysfunction and ultimately hypertension. Abbreviations: ADMA: asymmetrical dimethylarginine; ESR2: gene coding for estrogen receptor β; eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase; ET-1: Endothelin 1; ET_A: Endothelin receptor A; ET_B: Endothelin receptor B; IsoLGs: isolevuglandins; LSD1: Lysine-specific demethylase 1; MR: mineralocorticoid receptor; Na⁺: sodium; NO: Nitric oxide; NOS: Nitric oxide synthase; PR: Progesterone receptor.