Malfunction of Vascular Control in Lifestyle-Related Diseases: Mechanisms Underlying Endothelial Dysfunction in the Insulin-Resistant State

Journal of Pharmacological Sciences

Atsunori Kashiwagi²  Kazuhide Ayajiki¹  Kazuya Shinozaki¹  Tomio Okamura¹  Masahiro Masada³ 

[1] Department of Pharmacology, Shiga University of Medical Science;Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science;Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Horticulture, Chiba University

关键词: insulin resistance;    endothelial dysfunction;    renin-angiotensin system;    nitric oxide;    pteridine;   

DOI  :  10.1254/jphs.FMJ04006X4

学科分类：药学

来源: Nihon Yakuri Gakkai Henshuubu / Japanese Pharmacological Society

【 摘 要 】

References(28)Cited-By(17)It is tempting to speculate that increased vasoconstriction and loss of endothelium-dependent vasodilation might be etiological factors of elevated blood pressure in the insulin-resistant state. Vascular contraction induced by angiotensin II and the expression of NAD(P)H oxidase were increased in the aorta of insulin-resistant mice. In addition, both angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression and superoxide anion production were up-regulated in these mice. Another mechanism for imparing endothelial function is the uncoupling of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). It has become clear from studies on the aorta of insulin-resistant rat that insulin resistance may be a pathogenic factor for endothelial dysfunction through impaired eNOS activity and increased oxidative breakdown of NO (nitric oxide) due to an enhanced formation of superoxide anion (NO/superoxide anion imbalance), which are caused by relative deficiency of tetrahydrobiopterin, a cofactor of NOS, in vascular endothelial cells. Supplementation of tetrahydrobiopterin restored endothelial function and relieved oxidative tissue damage through activation of eNOS in those rats. These results indicate that generation of superoxide anion from NAD(P)H oxidases and an uncoupled eNOS may be pathogenic factors for impaired endothelial function and hypertension in the insulin-resistant state.

【 授权许可】

Unknown