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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

En Face Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide in Endothelial Layer of Intact Arteries
Published on: February 25, 2016
[Phenotypes of the cardiovascular system and polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase]
Danuta Czarnecka1, Katarzyna Stolarz, Agnieszka Olszanecka
1I Klinika Kardiologii, Collegium Medicum Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego, Kraków. dczarnecka@interia.pl
Aim:
Reduced nitric oxide (NO) production is associated with pathological changes in the cardiovascular system. In our study we analyzed the relationship between two polymorphisms (Glu298Asp and VNRT in the intron 4) of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and vascular phenotypes.
Methods:
The study population consisted of 127 parents and 167 offspring. All subjects underwent 24 hr ABP monitoring using a SpaceLabs 90207 device. 2D and M-mode echocardiograms were obtained. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) between the common carotid and femoral artery was measured with the Complior device and the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was assessed by ultrasound. For statistical analysis co-variables and correlations between relatives were taken into account.
Results:
There was no relationship between the eNOS gene polymorphisms and ABP or LVMI neither in parents nor their offspring. Among parents, who were carriers of the 298Asp allele higher IMT values were noted as compared with Glu/Glu homozygotes (0.94 vs. 0.70 mm; p = 0.007). Among offspring there was a similar tendency towards higher IMT (0.60 vs. 0.53 mm; p = 0.10), but also higher PWV in carriers of the 298Asp allele as compared with Glu/Glu homozygotes (8.47 vs. 8.17 m/sec; p = 0.14). Polymorphism VNRT in intron 4 was not associated with vascular phenotypes.
Conclusion:
The Glu298Asp polymorphism of eNOS gene identifies patients with larger carotid IMT.
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