Effect of an Isolevuglandin Scavenger on Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure and Immune Cell Activation in Humans

Hypertension is the leading cause of preventable deaths globally, driven by complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. Recent updates in hypertension classification by the American Heart Association (AHA) place nearly half of the U.S. population in the hypertensive category. Excess dietary salt is a major risk factor for hypertension, with 50% of hypertensive individuals exhibiting salt-sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP). SSBP is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and death. While kidney mechanisms in salt-sensing have been extensively studied, emerging evidence suggests that immune cells can also sense sodium (Na+). This trial hypothesizes that myeloid cell-derived isolevuglandins (IsoLGs) drive endothelial dysfunction, perpetuating the salt-sensitive phenotype. Preliminary data indicate that targeting IsoLGs with the IsoLG scavenger 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA) may interrupt this immune-vascular axis, reducing salt sensitivity and associated cardiovascular risks. This phase 2 clinical trial aims to investigate the role of 2-HOBA in modulating immune cell function within blood vessels in hypertensive patients. The study will explore the impact of immunity on salt sensitivity and assess 2-HOBA's potential to reduce endothelial dysfunction, improve immune cell activation, and alleviate SSBP.

NCT Number	NCT07602166
Lead Sponsor	Vanderbilt University Medical Center Collaborators: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Conditions	Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure, High Blood Pressure, Inflammation, Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
Enrollment	20 participants
Start Date	2026-09
Primary Completion	2031-07 (estimated)
Study Completion	2031-07 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-07-28