Lipoproteins and aldosterone in obesity-associated hypertension

Hypertension affects approximately 46% of the adult population in the US, with about 40% of cases attributed to obesity. Obese individuals have dyslipidemia, including high serum levels of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). VLDL has been shown to increase aldosterone production in glomerulosa cell models in vitro . These data suggest the possibility that VLDL may contribute to obesity-associated hypertension through effects on aldosterone levels, which have already been linked to both obesity and hypertension. The data connecting VLDL and aldosterone to obesity-related hypertension are discussed, and the idea that VLDL may function as a gain control mechanism for adrenocortical renin-angiotensin II signaling is proposed. However, the role of VLDL in aldosterone-mediated hypertension in obesity is unproven, emphasizing the need for further study.