Oxidative stress and vascular function: implications for pharmacologic treatments.
Production of considerable amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) eventually leads to oxidative stress. A key role of oxidative stress is evident in the pathologic mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and associated cardiovascular diseases. Vascular enzymes such as NADPH oxidases, xanthine oxidase, and uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase are involved in the production of ROS. The question remains whether pharmacologic approaches can effectively combat the excessive ROS production in the vasculature. Interestingly, existing registered cardiovascular drugs can directly or indirectly act as antioxidants, thereby preventing the damaging effects of ROS. Moreover, new compounds targeting NADPH oxidases have been developed. Finally, food-derived compounds appear to be effective inhibitors of oxidative stress and preserve vascular function.
Weseler
Antje R
AR
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands. a.weseler@farmaco.unimaas.nl
Bast
Aalt
A
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects*; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D019255:NADPH Oxidases; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010636:Phenols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059808:Polyphenols; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D014969:Xanthine Oxidase
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D005419:Flavonoids; D005609:Free Radicals; D010636:Phenols; D059808:Polyphenols; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; D014969:Xanthine Oxidase; D019255:NADPH Oxidases