Research progress of vascular remodeling in hypertension

Hypertension is a major contributing risk factor for stroke, ischemic cardiac events and overall mortality. Blood vessels as hollow organs have endocrine function, which could secrete angiotensin and angiotensin converting enzyme. Remodeling of large and small arteries alleviates the development and complications of hypertension. The article reviews the definition, some of the mechanisms involved in the vascular remodeling and the role of osteopontin, Fibulin-3 and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the processes.