Ref-1/APE1’s involvement in cardiovascular disease and regulation of blood pressure is illustrated by aortic coarctation-induced hypersensitive rat models showing increased Ref-1/APE1 expression levels.222 Furthermore, heterozygous Ref-1/APE1+/− mice exhibit hypertension and diminished endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation.223 Ref-1/APE1 is part of the SET complex of proteins that are involved in HIV pathogenesis by inhibiting suicidal autointegration. This evidence concerns the gene APEX1 and hypertensive disorder.