TGFB1 and Hypertension: Increased TGF-β expression is observed in aged aorta, which is associated with increased extracellular matrix deposition, increased cross-linking and ultimately vascular remodeling.[38, 60–62] Not only is lowering blood pressure an important target in clinical practice today, but central vascular stiffness as determined by pulse wave velocity, has become both a powerful predictor of cardiovascular events, and an important parameter for targeting therapy.[26] miRNA181b could be a potential therapeutic target in modulating vascular stiffness along with the treatment of hypertension.