Nox2 Is Determinant for Ischemia-Induced Oxidative Stress and Arterial Vasodilatation: A Pilot Study in Patients With Hereditary Nox2 Deficiency

Abstract

To the Editor: Reactive oxidant species (ROS) are a family of molecules that are involved in the modulation of arterial tone via rapid degradation of nitric oxide (NO).1 NADPH oxidase is a predominant cellular source of O2−-producing enzymes.1 Four homologs of gp91phox (Nox 2) named Nox1, Nox3, Nox4, and Nox5 have been identified as components of nonphagocyte-type NADPH oxidase.2 Recent studies performed in Nox1 and Nox2 knock-out animals suggested that these Nox isoforms may be implicated in controlling vascular function via modulation of NO bioactivity.3,4 X-chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency affecting the innate immunologic system; it is caused by mutations in any of the 4 genes encoding subunits of the O2− generating NADPH oxidase, resulting in defective O2− generation and intracellular killing.5 We speculated that in patients with downregulation of NADPH oxidase the …