Tetrahydrobiopterin Regulation of eNOS Redox Function

Title:Tetrahydrobiopterin Regulation of eNOS Redox Function

Volume: 20 Issue: 22

Author(s): Dan-Dan Chen, Lu-Yuan Chen, Ji-Biao Xie, Chang Shu, Tianlun Yang, Shenghua Zhou, Hong Yuan and Alex F. Chen

Affiliation:

Keywords: Tetrahydrobiopterin, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, endothelial function, eNOS uncoupling.

Abstract: Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH₄) is an essential cofactor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In the cardiovascular system, endothelial NOS (eNOS) has a major role in maintaining vascular tone and endothelial function, as well as in mediating many other vascular protective properties. Evidence from humans and animals have demonstrated that decreased BH₄ bioavailability, with subsequent uncoupling of eNOS, has significant effects on the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction, which is a hallmark of vascular injury in cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. In this review, we discuss the synthesis of BH₄, its molecular mechanisms regulating eNOS coupling, the pathophysiologic roles of decreased BH₄ bioavailability in cardiovascular diseases, and the potential therapeutic application of BH₄ in clinics.

Cite this article as:

Chen Dan-Dan, Chen Lu-Yuan, Xie Ji-Biao, Shu Chang, Yang Tianlun, Zhou Shenghua, Yuan Hong and Chen F. Alex, Tetrahydrobiopterin Regulation of eNOS Redox Function, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2014; 20 (22) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/13816128113196660747