Protective role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

Abstract

Nitric oxide is a versatile molecule, with its actions ranging from haemodynamic regulation to anti-proliferative effects on vascular smooth muscle cells. Nitric oxide is produced by the nitric oxide synthases, endothelial NOS (eNOS), neural NOS (nNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS). Constitutively expressed eNOS produces low concentrations of NO, which is necessary for a good endothelial function and integrity. Endothelial derived NO is often seen as a protective agent in a variety of diseases. This review will focus on the potential protective role of eNOS. We will discuss recent data derived from studies in eNOS knockout mice and other experimental models. Furthermore, the role of eNOS in human diseases is described and possible therapeutic intervention strategies will be discussed.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms in patients with nontraumatic femoral head osteonecrosis

“…It was previously reported that smoking reduces the function of eNOS 20,37,38 and is a potential risk factor of the development of FHON and LeggCalve-Perthes disease. 8,18,24,[39][40][41] The results previous studies are compatible with our speculation. A variety of nontraumatic factors contribute to the etiology of osteonecrosis and the causal relationship of corticosteroid and excessive alcohol intake has been established.…”

“…eNOS gene deficiency attenuates vascular reactivity, increases platelet recruitment, reduces mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells, impairment of angiogenesis, and deceases bone volume and bone formation rate in mice. 8 Furthermore, it was proposed that two polymorphic sites of the eNOS gene, the 27-bp repeat polymorphism in intron 4 and Glu298Asp polymorphism in exon 7, are related to each other and might be associated with the altered function of this gene. [9][10][11][12] The -786 T/C polymorphism is related with Glu298Asp polymorphism because two polymorphic sites lie in a gene and was also reported to be associated with eNOS gene function.…”

Statins as antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory agents: A future in rheumatologic therapy?

“…Endothelial cell NOS is expressed by vascular endothelium and generates NO, which exerts protective effects on ECs and prevents their activation (63,64). Statins up-regulate eNOS expression in vitro (62,65,66) and in vivo (67) by prolonging eNOS messenger RNA (mRNA) survival (68).…”

The influence of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on cytoprotection and repair

“…Due to the different dynamics of the various nitric oxide synthases, eNOS is generally considered to be protective, as it produces steady amounts of NO at low concentrations, while nNOS and iNOS can produce bursts of higher concentrations, which may be damaging [Albrecht et al, 2003]. There was a differential effect from using L-arginine, a NO donor, in mice that were iNOS deficient as compared to wild-type mice, reinforcing the view that iNOS stimulation may not be beneficial [Zhao et al, 2003].…”