Role for Nox1 NADPH oxidase in atherosclerosis

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

ROS Live Cell Imaging During Neuronal Development
09:25

ROS Live Cell Imaging During Neuronal Development

Published on: February 9, 2021

Andrea L Sheehan1, Samuel Carrell, Bryon Johnson

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.

Atherosclerosis
|March 18, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nox1 NADPH oxidase contributes to atherosclerosis by increasing superoxide levels and lesion size. Its deficiency in mice reduced atherosclerotic lesions and macrophage infiltration, indicating its role in disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Oxidative Stress Biology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of arteries.
  • NADPH oxidases (Nox) are implicated in oxidative stress and cardiovascular pathology.
  • Nox1's specific role in atherogenesis requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the contribution of Nox1 NADPH oxidase to the development of atherosclerosis.
  • To determine the impact of Nox1 deficiency on atherosclerotic lesion characteristics in a mouse model.

Main Methods:

  • Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (ApoE(-/-)) and dual-deficient ApoE(-/-) Nox1(-/y) mice were fed an atherogenic diet for 18 weeks.
  • Superoxide levels, lesion area, macrophage infiltration, and intimal hyperplasia were assessed.
  • Carotid artery ligation was performed to induce intimal hyperplasia.

Main Results:

  • Nox1 deficiency significantly reduced aortic arch lesion area (43% to 28%) and superoxide levels.
  • Reduced lesion size in Nox1-deficient mice was associated with decreased macrophage infiltration.
  • Inhibition of Nox1 attenuated intimal hyperplasia, decreasing cellular proliferation and increasing collagen content.

Conclusions:

  • Nox1-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical in modifying atherosclerotic lesion composition.
  • Nox1 plays a significant role in promoting lesion size and progression in a murine model of atherosclerosis.

More Related Videos

En Face Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide in Endothelial Layer of Intact Arteries08:58

En Face Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide in Endothelial Layer of Intact Arteries

Published on: February 25, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway01:28

Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway

Nitric oxide (NO), an inorganic gas, acts as a potent second messenger in most animal and plant tissues. NO diffuses out of the cells that produce it and enters the neighboring cells to generate a downstream response. NO synthase (NOS) catalyzes NO production by the deamination of the amino acid arginine. There are three isoforms of NOS. Endothelial cells have endothelial NOS (eNOS), nerve and muscle cells have neuronal NOS (nNOS), and macrophages produce inducible NOS (iNOS) upon exposure to...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...