Several lines of evidence suggest that essential hypertension originates from an
autoimmune-mediated mechanism. One consequence of chronic immune activation is the
generation of oxygen-derived free radicals, resulting in oxidative stress. Renal oxidative
stress has direct prohypertensive actions on renal microvascular and tubular function.
Whether oxidative stress contributes to the prevalent hypertension associated with
autoimmune disease is not clear. We showed previously that female NZBWF1 mice, an …

We read with interest the recent article by Mathis et al, 1 which shows that antioxidant
therapy reduces blood pressure and albuminuria in an established model of systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) with associated hypertension. The authors also suggest that, although
therapy does not alter SLE disease progression, it does reduce renal oxidative stress. 1 We
raise several issues. Reducing proteinuria is a key goal in chronic kidney disease
management in the clinic, and this is best achieved by reducing blood pressure. 2 Thus, the …