Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
07:46
Assessing Endothelial Vasodilator Function with the Endo-PAT 2000
Published on: October 15, 2010
44.7K
Tetrahydrobiopterin improves endothelial function in cardiovascular disease: a systematic review
Qiongying Wang1, Mina Yang1, Han Xu1
1Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, 82 Cuiyingmen Street, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China.
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Ecam
|December 31, 2014
Summary
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) supplementation shows promise in improving endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases. This cofactor may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for preventing and managing vascular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a crucial cofactor for nitric oxide synthase (NOS).
- Reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability is a hallmark of early-stage vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and diabetic vasculopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy of Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) supplementation in improving endothelial dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to January 31, 2014.
- Fourteen selected articles, encompassing a total of 370 patients, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Ten of the fourteen studies reported significant improvements in endothelial dysfunction with BH4 supplementation compared to control or placebo groups.
- Three studies found no positive outcomes, while one study indicated that high-dose BH4, but not low-dose, yielded significantly different results.
Conclusions:
- Supplementation with BH4 or augmentation of endogenous BH4 levels represents a novel therapeutic strategy for enhancing endothelial function in various cardiovascular diseases.
- BH4 holds potential as a new therapeutic agent for the prevention and progression management of cardiovascular diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
01:18Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
Endothelins (ETs) are potent vasoactive peptides critical in the human body's various physiological and pathological processes. One of the most promising therapeutic strategies for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) involves counteracting the effects of these endothelins using a class of drugs known as endothelin receptor antagonists.
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Of...
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Of...
01:26Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:29Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
01:26Atherosclerosis 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...