Role of TGF-β1/Smad3 signalling pathway in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and renal damage in elderly rats with isolated systolic hypertension induced by increased pulse pressure

Objective Elevated systolic blood pressure and increased pulse pressure are closely associated with renal damage; however, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of increased pulse pressure on tubulointerstitial fibrosis and renal damage in elderly rats with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH). Additionally, the role of renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its upstream signalling pathways were elucidated.