title: Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species: impact on endothelial dysfunction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, known as free radicals, play a key role in the etiology and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by creating vascular oxidative stress.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This review will discuss current biological research about the enzymatic and nonenzymatic sources of oxidative stress, free radical chemistry, and how it pertains to endothelial dysfunction-a hallmark of cardiovascular disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  An integrative review of the literature was conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Free radicals lower the bioavailability of the potent vasodilator nitric oxide and therefore, through numerous chemical reactions, negatively affect vascular biology and endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction is considered to be integral in the initiation of atherosclerosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The success and failures of current therapies to reduce oxidative stress are discussed in terms of implications for nursing research on exogenous antioxidants, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle change.
authors.affiliation: Dereck Salisbury, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Laboratory of Clinical Physiology, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. Ulf Bronas, PhD, FSVM, FAHA, is Assistant Professor and Director, Laboratory of Clinical Physiology, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
authors.forename: Dereck
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Salisbury
authors.forename: Ulf
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Bronas
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D026361:Reactive Nitrogen Species / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D026361:Reactive Nitrogen Species; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species