Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (6): 1499-1507.doi: 10.12307/2026.570

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Potential target values of low temperature and cold receptor transient receptor potential M8 and glutamate receptor-3/glutamate receptor ionotropic, kainate 2 in the treatment of hypertension

Wang Jingfeng, Xia Fan, Mao Sujie, Li Xiaolin   

  1. Harbin Sports University, Harbin 150008, Heilongjiang Province, China
  • Received:2024-12-25 Accepted:2025-03-14 Online:2026-02-28 Published:2025-07-17
  • Contact: Li Xiaolin, PhD, Harbin Sports University, Harbin 150008, Heilongjiang Province, China
  • About author:Wang Jingfeng, PhD candidate, Harbin Sports University, Harbin 150008, Heilongjiang Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Harbin Sport University Laboratory Platform Special Project, No. LAB2021-06 (to LXL); the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province, No. LH2022C051 (to LXL [project participant]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low temperatures have detrimental effects on the human cardiovascular system, with a higher prevalence of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases, especially among people living in cold climates. Transient receptor potential M8 (TRPM8) is often recognized as a physiological sensor of environmental cold, and glutamate receptor-3 (GLR-3)/glutamate receptor ionotropic, kainate 2 (GluK2) is also cold-sensitive. However, the specific molecular mechanisms of cold-associated TRPM8 and GLR-3/GluK2 in regulating hypertension remain puzzling. 
OBJECTIVE: Through a review of the literature in this field, to find out the general pattern of TRPM8 and GLR-3/GluK2 in regulating the body’s cold response, as well as the specific mechanism of action in hypertension, thereby providing a theoretical basis for subsequent research on the treatment of hypertension based on cold-stimulation-related targets, and further expanding the new ideas and methods for the treatment of hypertension. 
METHODS: We searched, reviewed and screened the relevant literature on “cold stimulation, TRPM8, GLR-3/GluK2 and hypertension” to lay the theoretical foundation for the analysis of the whole article. Comparative analysis method, through reading and analyzing the obtained literature, comparing the similarities and differences between the literature, was performed to provide reasonable theoretical support for the argument. Through further comparative analysis of the literature, the relationship between the relevant indicators was clarified, and the ideas were clarified for the analysis of the full text. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) TRPM8 can be activated by cold and mainly mediates cool temperature perception in mammals. Its activation can trigger neurogenic inflammatory response and indirectly affect the inflammatory process. Abnormal TRPM8 signal can lead to excessive activation of immune cells, which is significantly associated with the occurrence and development of hypertension. (2) The activation threshold of GLR-3/GluK2 is lower than that of TRPM8, which may preferentially respond to noxious cold stimulation rather than ordinary cool temperature. In cold environment, GLR-3/GluK2 activation enhances sympathetic nerve excitability by regulating interneuron signal transduction and causes peripheral vascular constriction. Long-term effects can lead to increased peripheral vascular resistance. To conclude, TRPM8 and GLR-3/GluK2 are involved in the interaction of the nerve-immune-vascular system by sensing different cold stimuli. Abnormal TRPM8 signaling indirectly promotes the progression of hypertension through inflammation and immune dysregulation, while GLR-3/GluK2 directly exacerbates vascular constriction and resistance by enhancing sympathetic nerve activity. The combination of the two factors may constitute the key molecular mechanism of the occurrence and development of hypertension in cold environment, and provide a potential target for the intervention of cold-related cardiovascular diseases.

Key words: low temperature;, cold stimulation, transient receptor potential M8, GLR-3, GluK2, hypertension

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