HAVCR1 and endothelial dysfunction: As KIM1 is mainly expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells, urinary KIM1 may more directly reflect kidney damage but may not directly relate to BP change, while plasma/serum KIM1 may represent a broader systemic influence, such as inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction, which are related to BP regulation.1,38 The kidneys play a key role in the regulation of BP through the REN-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and conversely, BP can also affect kidney function.