Calorie restriction, endothelial function and blood pressure homeostasis

A number of experimental animal studies have demonstrated that a chronic reduction in calorie intake decreases BP levels and prevents the development of hypertension [6–11]. The mechanisms through which this effect is mediated are not precisely known, but may include reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and modifications in neuroendocrine and sympathetic nervous system function [12]. Data from short-term randomized clinical trials and of volunteers practicing long-termcalorie restriction (CR)without malnutrition have confirmed that a chronic reduction in calorie intake significantly decreases blood pressure and other related cardiometabolic risk factors that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction [13–16].