( Shes finding that nitric oxide ...)Cause of Gender Differences in Blood Pressure, Kidney Damage Under Study,Health

Shes finding that nitric oxide synthase, which makes nitric oxide, a signaling molecule that tells smooth muscles cells to relax, may make more nitric oxide in females. Just how active an enzyme is depends on how its phosphorylized, or turned on by adding phosphate groups. Our preliminary data says that the phosphorylation status may increase nitric oxide production - and maintain kidney health - in females, Dr. Sullivan says.

In contrast is the powerful constrictor of blood vessels, angiotensin 2. In the outer most part of their kidneys, males have a lot of the AT1 receptors that enables angiotensin 2 to do harm. Its a vasoconstrictor when it binds with AT1, she says. It will cause proliferation, it will cause hypertrophy, it can stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species, so it does all sorts of bad things, she says.

Fortunately there are already drugs that block angiotensin 2s destructive action: angiotensin receptor blockers and ace inhibitors. Interestingly, clinical studies already have shown these drugs dont work as well in women. A lot of women are on these drugs too and Im not sure its doing them a lot of good, she says. One of her goals is to find out.

When she looks in the outer most part of the kidney, called the renal cortex, she also finds males have too many highly reactive and potentially damaging free radicals. Free radicals or reactive oxygen species have important jobs in the body, like cell signaling, but as with anything, its all about balance.

When there are too many, it creates oxidative stress, a contributor to most major diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as aging in general. In high blood pressure, free radicals damage proteins critical to blood vessels and the kidneys.

The body has natural mechanisms for keeping free radicals in check, including endogenous antioxidants. But if you get increases, it ca
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