Abstract
The NO/cGMP pathway plays an important role in many physiological functions and pathophysiological conditions. In the last few years, several genetic and functional studies pointed to an underestimated role of this pathway in the development of atherosclerosis. Indeed, several genetic variants of key enzymes modulating the generation of NO and cGMP have been strongly associated with coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction risk. In this review, we aim to place the genomic findings on components of the NO/cGMP pathway, namely endothelial nitric oxide synthase, soluble guanylyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase 5A, in context of preventive and therapeutic strategies for treating atherosclerosis and its sequelae.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cyclic GMP / metabolism*
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Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5 / genetics
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Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5 / metabolism
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Guanylate Cyclase / genetics
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Guanylate Cyclase / metabolism*
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Humans
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Mutation
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Myocardial Infarction / drug therapy
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Myocardial Infarction / genetics
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Myocardial Infarction / metabolism*
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Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / genetics
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / metabolism
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Polymorphism, Genetic
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / genetics
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism*
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Signal Transduction*
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Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase
Substances
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
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Nitric Oxide
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
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Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5
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Guanylate Cyclase
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Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase
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Cyclic GMP