Oxidative Stress and Arterial Dysfunction in Peripheral Artery Disease

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology and Medicine
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic condition affecting lower extremity arteries.
• PAD manifestations extend beyond reduced blood flow, involving endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and inflammation.
• Oxidative stress is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to PAD pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence linking endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and inflammation to PAD.
• To explore the relationship between these factors and oxidative stress.
• To discuss the therapeutic potential of NOX2 antioxidants in PAD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current evidence on PAD pathophysiology.
• Focus on the role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 (NOX2)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS).
• Analysis of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in PAD.

Main Results:

• Endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and inflammation are integral to PAD.
• Oxidative stress, particularly NOX2-derived ROS, is linked to arterial dysfunction and reduced NO bioavailability.
• These factors contribute to functional impairment in PAD patients.

Conclusions:

• NOX2-derived ROS and impaired NO bioavailability are critical in PAD.
• NOX2 antioxidants represent a potential therapeutic strategy for PAD.
• Targeting NOX2 may improve arterial function and functional status in PAD patients.