Both innate and adaptive immune responses participate in the generation of ROS and inflammatory changes in the kidneys, blood vessels and brain in hypertension.59 A dysfunctional communication between immune system and vascular wall is involved in endothelial dysfunction in SLE mice.21,60 High NADPH oxidase-driven ROS synthesis is linked to both endothelial dysfunction and high BP in female NZB/WF1 mice.5,17,21 Accordingly, we too have detected a reduction in acetylcholine-induced relaxation and an increase in NADPH oxidase activity in aorta from SLE as compared to CTR. This evidence concerns the gene FMO5 and endothelial dysfunction.