Hydrogen peroxide regulation of endothelial function: Origins, mechanisms, and consequences

Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Enzymatic systems such as the mitochondrial respiratory chain, vascular NAD(P)H oxidases, xanthine oxidase, and uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) produce superoxide anion (O2.−) in vascular cells. While some O2.− rapidly degrades by reacting with nitric oxide (NO.), the O2.− signal preserved by dismutation...