In concordance with our data, continuous activation of P2X7 receptors is reported to induce microvascular and endothelial dysfunction, which further promotes renal inflammation and leads to a decline in renal functions36, while their antagonism causes a partially NO-dependent vasodilation of the afferent, efferent, and renal arteries, thereby increasing renal perfusion37,38. This evidence concerns the gene P2RX7 and endothelial dysfunction.