ABSTRACT
Reactive oxygen species have emerged as important molecules in cardiovascular function. Recent research has shown that the NADPH oxidases are important sources of superoxide in vascular cells and myocytes. The NADPH oxidases vascular share some, but not all, of the characteristics of the enzyme in neutrophils, both produce superoxide, which is metabolized to hydrogen peroxide, at the same time these reactive oxygen species serve as second messengers activate multiple intracellular signalling pathways. NADPH oxidases are essential in the physiological response of vascular cellsto pathological states such as atherosclerosis, and are functionally relevant in activation and recruitment of platelets. Recent studies suggest a key role for NADPH oxidase in the formation of a specific product from the oxidation of arachidonic acid, and a potential role in the process of recruitment of platelets. Taking into account these characteristics and evidence of the involvement of the NADPH oxidases in cardiovascular diseases as the thrombosis, inhibition of this enzymatic system appears as a promising therapy to treat and prevent these diseases.
Subject(s)
Humans , Atherosclerosis/enzymology , Reactive Oxygen Species , NADPH Oxidases/metabolism , Blood Platelets/enzymology , Platelet Activation/physiology , Antioxidants , Isoprostanes , PolyphenolsABSTRACT
The endothelium helps to maintain the normal structure and homeostasis of the vasculature. However, chronic exposure to cardiovascular (CV) risk factors causes endothelial dysfunction, a phenomenon that is characterized by inflammation, reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and a prothrombotic state. Epidemiological studies have shown that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables reduces CV risk, which has caused interest in knowing the bioactive compounds and the mechanisms involved. Among the components that protect the endothelium are antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E and poly phenols) and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Vitamin C and E promote vasodilatation protecting NO by blocking the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Poly phenols improve endothelial function primarily by increasing levels of NO, and inhibition of angiogenesis and platelet activation. Diets rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids have shown beneficial effects by reducing the gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and the expression of cell adhesion molecules. This review mainly highlights the current understanding of endothelial dysfunction and the protective effect of endothelial cells by bioactive components of fruits and vegetables.
El endotelio normal ayuda a mantener la estructura y la hemostasia vascular. Sin embargo, la exposición crónica a factores de riesgo cardiovascular (CV) produce disfunción endotelial, fenómeno que se caracteriza por inflamación, disminución en la biodisponibilidad de óxido nítrico (NO) y un estado protrombótico. Estudios epidemiológicos han demostrado que el consumo regular de frutas y hortalizas disminuye el riesgo CV, lo que ha causado interés en conocer los compuestos bioactivos y los mecanismos involucrados. Entre los componentes que protegen el endotelio se encuentran las moléculas antioxidantes (vitamina C, vitamina E y polifenoles) y ácidos grasos poliinsaturados. Las vitaminas C y E favorecen la vasodilatación protegiendo el NO al bloquear las especies reactivas del oxigeno (ROS). Los polifenoles mejoran la función endotelial principalmente por el aumento de los niveles de NO, y la inhibición de la angiogénesis y de la activación plaquetaria. Dietas ricas en ácidos grasos poliinsaturados han mostrado efectos beneficiosos, mediante la reducción de la expresión géni-ca de la ciclooxigenasa-2 y de la expresión de moléculas de adhesión celular. Esta revisión principalmente señala los conocimientos actuales de la disfunción endotelial y el efecto protector de las células endoteliales por componentes bioactivos de frutas y hortalizas.