Vascular NAD(P)H oxidase as a novel therapeutic target in vascular disease

Abstract

Oxidative stress, involving elevated levels of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide and peroxynitrite, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several, if not most, forms of cardiovascular disease. Recent studies using viral-mediated gene transfer of genes that redress oxidative stress in animal models of cardiovascular disease have suggested that targeting sources of superoxide would provide a novel therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular disease. Identification of a vascular form of the NAD(P)H oxidase as the major source of superoxide has resulted in a search for effective inhibitors. This review summarizes the developments in the area of vascular NAD(P)H oxidase as a novel therapeutic target in vascular disease.