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Regulation of myocardial growth and death by NADPH oxidase

Yasuhiro Maejima1, Junya Kuroda, Shouji Matsushima

  • 1Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.

Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology
|January 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

NADPH oxidases (Nox) produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the heart. Nox4, particularly in mitochondria, drives pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and failure by increasing oxidative stress.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Oxidative Stress Research
  • Molecular Cardiology

Background:

  • NADPH oxidases (Nox) are key enzymes generating reactive oxygen species (ROS).
  • Nox2 and Nox4 isoforms are present in the heart, contributing to oxidative stress.
  • Differential localization of Nox2 (plasma membrane) and Nox4 (intracellular membranes) suggests distinct roles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of Nox enzymes in cardiac oxidative stress.
  • To differentiate the pathological and physiological functions of Nox isoforms in the heart.
  • To highlight the specific contribution of Nox4 to cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on Nox enzymes in cardiovascular systems.
  • Analysis of studies investigating Nox expression and localization in cardiac tissue.
  • Examination of research linking Nox activity to cardiac pathologies and physiological processes.

Main Results:

  • Nox4 upregulation by hypertrophic stimuli is crucial in pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
  • Mitochondrial Nox4 contributes to oxidative stress by oxidizing proteins like aconitase, leading to dysfunction and cell death.
  • Nox enzymes also mediate physiological functions, including erythropoiesis and angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Nox4 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure under pressure overload.
  • Targeting Nox4 may offer therapeutic strategies for cardiac diseases associated with oxidative stress.
  • Nox enzymes have dual roles, contributing to both pathology and normal physiological functions in the heart.

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