Does hypoxia confer protection against apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt pathway in endothelial progenitor cells?
Our data demonstrated that hypoxia inhibited serum withdrawal-induced apoptosis in EPC, which might be associated with the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Increased (pro)renin and AT1 receptor expression in SHR substantiates the importance of the local RAS overdrive in the cerebrovascular pathophysiology in hypertension. AT1 receptor blockade and increased AT2 receptor stimulation after administration of candesartan may contribute to the protection against brain ischemia and inflammation.