title: Nitric oxide in atherosclerosis.
abstract: *NO is produced endogenously from L-arginine by NOSs. Among its multiple activities, the homeostatic control of the vascular endothelium is crucial for atherosclerosis, a pathogenic condition connected with elevated levels of LDL, the main plasma cholesterol carrier. Oxidised LDL is proatheromatic, and toxic peroxidation products contribute to further endothelial damage. *NO controls vascular tone, inhibits LDL oxidation and has hypocholesterolaemic activity. This review is referred to the chemistry, biology and role of *NO on atherosclerosis and its treatment by *NO donors or modulators.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece. xriselis@pharm.auth.gr
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Rekka
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Chrysselis
mesh_terms: D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D002784:Cholesterol; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase