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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
08:58
En Face Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide in Endothelial Layer of Intact Arteries
Published on: February 25, 2016
Nitrite supplementation reverses vascular endothelial dysfunction and large elastic artery stiffness with aging
Amy L Sindler1, Bradley S Fleenor, John W Calvert
1Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA. amy.sindler@colorado.edu
Aging Cell
|February 1, 2011
Summary
Short-term sodium nitrite therapy effectively reverses age-related vascular dysfunction and arterial stiffness in mice. This treatment restores nitric oxide bioavailability, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting potential for treating arterial aging.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Aging Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Aging is associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffening, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- Nitrite concentrations are decreased in aging arteries, impacting nitric oxide bioavailability.
- Age-related vascular changes contribute to cardiovascular disease risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if short-term nitrite therapy can reverse age-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffening.
- To investigate the effects of nitrite supplementation on arterial oxidative stress and inflammation in aging mice.
- To determine if nitrite therapy restores nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in aged arteries.
Main Methods:
- Sodium nitrite was administered to old mice via drinking water for three weeks.
- Vascular endothelial function was assessed by acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD) in isolated carotid arteries.
- Arterial stiffness was measured by aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV).
- Oxidative stress markers (nitrotyrosine, superoxide production, NADPH oxidase expression, SOD activity) and inflammatory cytokines were quantified.
Main Results:
- Nitrite supplementation restored nitrite levels in old mice to those of young controls.
- Sodium nitrite significantly improved EDD in old mice by increasing NO bioavailability.
- Nitrite therapy reduced aortic PWV, indicating decreased arterial stiffness.
- Treatment ameliorated increased nitrotyrosine, superoxide production, and NADPH oxidase expression, while restoring SOD activity.
- Markedly increased inflammatory cytokines in old mice were reduced to young control levels with nitrite treatment.
Conclusions:
- Short-term nitrite therapy effectively reverses age-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction and large elastic artery stiffening.
- Nitrite supplementation reduces arterial oxidative stress and inflammation in aging mice.
- Sodium nitrite demonstrates potential as a novel therapeutic agent for mitigating arterial aging.
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