VCAM1 and Hypertension: Tissue expression of adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1), production of inflammatory mediators (monocyte chemotactic peptide 1, tumour necrosis factor, interleukin [IL] 1, IL-6, 1L-17), activation of proinflammatory signalling pathways (MAPK, STAT) and transcription factors (NF-κB, AP-1, HIF-1), and circulating levels of inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, PAI-1, ILs) are increased in hypertension.143, 144, 145, 146 Although it still remains unclear whether inflammation is a cause or an effect of hypertension, it is clear that the immune system and ROS are important players.