We aimed at establishing whether UCP2 differential expression associates with renal damage in two stroke-resistant spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSR)/SHRSP-derived stroke congenic lines.
The UCP2 gene downregulation is a key determinant of higher predisposition to renal and cerebrovascular damage in an animal model of spontaneous hypertension and stroke.
The -866G>A SNP in UCP2 was significantly associated with diabetic ischemical stroke (odds ratio [OR]= 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]= 0.68 to1.31; P < 0.037).
In mice overexpressing human UCP-2, brain damage was diminished after experimental stroke and traumatic brain injury, and neurological recovery was enhanced.