Finding out how obesity is linked to high blood pressure

Peripheral and central adipokine sensors and their role in the development of obesity-related hypertension

Obesity is often associated with high blood pressure and childhood obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of heart disease in later life. Understanding the link between obesity and heart disease is of vital importance if we want to lessen clinical, social and economic consequences of the obesity pandemic. In this fellowship at University College London, Dr Nephtali Marina-Gonzalez will find out if the high blood pressure associated with obesity is driven by nerve and brain networks that control blood pressure in response to fat cells producing large amounts of factors, called adipokines. Dr Marina-Gonzalez’ work will increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of hypertension and may help to identify new drug targets to break the link between obesity and high blood pressure.