Overexpression of HGF transgene attenuates renal inflammatory mediators, Na+-ATPase activity and hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats

►HGF gene therapy reduces hypertension. ►hHGF gene therapy normalized renal NF-κB activity and proinflammatory cytokines. ►hHGF gene therapy normalized renal antioxidant status and Na+-ATPase activity. ►Kidney of SHR had an important reduction in HGF mRNA and protein expression.