Title:The role of NADPH Oxidase in Vascular Disease – Hypertension, Atherosclerosis & Stroke
Volume: 21
Issue: 41
Author(s): Stephen P Gray and Karin AM Jandeleit-Dahm
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Nox, vascular disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis.
Abstract: The family of NADPH oxidase (Nox) proteins plays an integral role in the homeostatic
functions of the cell, including gene expression, cell migration, proliferation, senescence
and inflammation. There are currently 4 isoforms (Nox1, 2, 4 and 5) that are expressed across all
cell types of the vascular system and play an important role in many physiological processes such
as endothelial function, vascular tone and angiogenesis. The balance between Nox derived reactive
oxygen species production and their elimination by dismutase enzymes is a critical finely
tuned process. It is when this balance is shifted in disease states, either leading to an over- or
under-production of reactive oxygen species that vascular injury develops. To date, Nox isoforms
have been linked to the development of many vascular diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis
and stroke. The contribution of each isoform to the pathophysiology of vascular disease appears to be a matter of debate with
most studies suggesting that Nox1 oxidase and Nox2 oxidase play deleterious roles, whereas Nox4 oxidase potentially plays a protective
role in the vasculature. This review will discuss the current knowledge on the role of Nox derived oxidative stress in the pathophysiology
of various vascular diseases including hypertension and atherosclerosis.
