Nitric oxide and cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract

The endothelium is a dynamic organ with many properties that takes part in the regulation of the principal mechanisms of vascular physiology. Its principal functions include the control of blood-tissue exchange and permeability, the vascular tonus, and the modulation of inflammatory or coagulatory mechanisms. Many vasoactive molecules, produced by the endothelium, are involved in the control of these functions. The most important is nitric oxide (NO), a gaseous molecule electrically neutral with an odd number of electrons that gives the molecule chemically reactive radical properties. Already known in the twentieth century, NO, sometimes considered as a dangerous molecule, recently valued as an important endogenous vasodilator factor. Recently, it was discovered that it is involved in several physiological mechanisms of endothelial protection (Tab. I). In 1992, Science elected it as “molecule of the year”; 6 yrs later three American researchers (Louis Ignarro, Robert Furchgott and Fried Murad) obtained a Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology “for their discoveries about NO as signal in the cardiovascular system”

Metabolomics profiles associated with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes patients

“…In this study, the concentration of total DMA was significantly higher (OR = 2.3) in both PDR and NPDR patients, compared with NDR patients ( Table 2 ). This result was consistent with those of previous studies on the association of ADMA with NO in DR and even on the association of increased ADMA concentrations with cardiovascular risk [ 12 , 20 , 21 ]. NO shortage is known to accelerate DR by increasing the generation of oxygen and nitrogen reactive species [ 10 , 12 ].…”

The Evolving Applications of Creatine Supplementation: Could Creatine Improve Vascular Health?

“…As previously mentioned, the ability of ECs to release vasoactive compounds and to control vasomotor tone is paramount for the management of blood flow and blood pressures. The inability of ECs to release vasoactive compounds, such as NO, or to stimulate endothelium-derived hyperpolarization factors (EDHFs) to induce vasodilation, is a primary underlining characteristic of many vascular pathologies [ 113 , 114 ]. Moraes et al demonstrated that following creatine supplementation, vascular reactivity significantly improved.…”

Efficacy of Aspirin for Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction in Men: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials

“…The NO pathway has other important functions in the body, such as preventing platelet aggregation, an increase in reactive oxygen species, ischemia, reperfusion injury, hypertension, and heart failure (Ahluwalia et al, 2016; Raddino et al, 2007). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have a strong correlation with reduced NO production in the body, and hence with ED.…”

“…Common factors for decreased bioavailability of NO in the body are old age, poor diet (namely, vitamin C deficient and arginine and fat-rich contents), oxidative stress, disease (e.g., sepsis, CVD, and nephropathies), sedentary lifestyle, and side effects from medications (e.g., antidepressants; Luiking et al, 2010; Raddino et al, 2007; Razny et al, 2011; Saroukhani et al, 2013). Conventional medicines and methods used for the treatment of ED are expensive (Tan, 2000), often unavailable in certain conservative countries or need a physician’s prescription, and may not be suitable for CVD patients, who may adversely interact with the treatments they are given (Herschorn, 2003; Simonsen, 2002).…”