Leptin also increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endothelial cells, stimulates secretion of proinflammotory cytokines such as TNF-b and IL-6, both of which are promoters of hypertension and atherosclerosis,20 possibly explaining the relationshsip between hypertensive peaks in obese patients prior to the onset of DS. The gene discussed is LTA; the disease is hypertensive disorder.