Our data (i) provide the first direct evidence that UCP2 is protective in an experimental animal model of stroke; (ii) demonstrate that the overexpression of UCP2 in the central nervous system (CNS) not only delays the occurrence of stroke, but also restrains renal damage in JD-fed SHRSP rats; and (iii) clearly dissociate UCP2 protection against hypertension-associated organ damage from changes in blood pressure. The gene discussed is UCP2; the disease is hypertensive disorder.