The 8-Aminopurine Hypothesis
Description: We postulate the existence of a heretofore unrecognized naturally-occurring biochemical system that induces salt excretion (i.e., is a diuretic), reduces blood pressure and protects organs such as the kidney, heart and brain from injury due to hypertension. Moreover, our work suggests that dietary salt induces a deficiency in this system and thereby excess salt intake contributes to hypertension and target-organ damage (for example strokes) and increases mortality. We also find that hypertension, organ damage and mortality can be improved by oral administration of components of this naturally-occurring biochemical system. This proposal could lead to a breakthrough in the prevention of premature death due to cardiovascular diseases.
Funding type: research
Funder scheme: R01
Start date: 2011-07-01
End date: 2024-06-30
Investigator: EDWIN KERRY JACKSON
Institution: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
Funded outputs count: 76
Funder award ID: R01HL109002
OpenAlex ID: G3810432953