Platelet-derived nitric oxide signaling and regulation

Nitric oxide (NO) exerts important vasodilatory, antiplatelet, antioxidant, antiadhesive, and antiproliferative effects. Although endothelium derived NO has been shown to be of prime importance in cardio- and vasculoprotection, until recently little was known about the role of platelet-derived NO. New evidence suggests that NO synthesized by platelets regulates platelet functions, in particular suppressing platelet activation and intravascular thrombosis. Moreover, platelet NO biosynthesis may be decreased in patients with cardiovascular risk factors or with coronary heart disease, and this may contribute to arterial thrombotic disease in these patients. Here, we review the current state of knowledge as regards the role of platelet-derived NO, both in normal physiology and in cardiovascular disease states, and compare platelet NO signaling and regulation with that in endothelial cells.     

Coexistence of impairment of endothelium-derived nitric oxide and platelet-derived nitric oxide in patients with coronary risk factors.

Impairment of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO) has been demonstrated in patients with coronary risk factors in some studies, as well as impaired platelet-derived nitric oxide (PDNO) in other studies. However, no study has examined whether these impairments coexist. In 24 patients with coronary risk factors, femoral vascular endothelial function was assessed with acetylcholine (ACh: 50, 100, 200 and 400 microg/min) and endothelium-independent vascular function with nitroglycerin (NTG; 50, 100, 200 microg/min) using a Doppler flow-wire technique, as well as ADP (5 micromol/L)-induced PDNO release with an NO-specific electrode. The ACh-mediated percent change in femoral vascular resistance index (% change of FVRI) and PDNO release had a significant correlation with the number of risk factors. The ACh-mediated % change of FVRI, but not that with NTG, significantly correlated with the PDNO release. Both EDNO and PDNO bioactivities are impaired in patients with coronary risk factors and there is a common mechanism.     

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphism, nitric oxide production, salt sensitivity and cardiovascular risk factors in Hispanics

Mutations in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene may be associated with abnormal nitric oxide (NO) production and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of two eNOS polymorphisms, the Glu298Asp variant on exon 7, and the 4a/b variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) on intron 4, and their association with blood pressure (BP), NO production, salt sensitivity and cardiovascular risk factors in healthy Venezuelans. The prevalence of both polymorphisms in Venezuelans was comparable to that described for Caucasians, but significantly different from that known for African-Americans and Japanese. The 4a/b genotype was associated with reduced levels of NO metabolites (25% decrease), larger BP lowering in response to salt restriction (9.0 vs 4.8 mmHg, P<0.05), greater prevalence of salt sensitivity (39% in 4a/b and 27% in 4b/b; P<0.05) and with higher LDL-cholesterol levels. The Glu298T polymorphism did not affect NO production, nor it was associated with salt sensitivity. Glu298Asp polymorphism was positively associated with higher weight, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol. Neither polymorphism was associated with changes in fasting or postload serum glucose, BP, obesity and albuminuria. In conclusion, the prevalence of eNOS polymorphisms is strongly determined by ethnic factors. The 4a/b gene polymorphism could be a genetic susceptibility factor for the BP response to salt intake and for the genetic control of NO production. The reduced NO production in subjects with the 4a/b genotype may be responsible for the increased sensitivity of their BP to salt.     

阿托伐他汀对冠心病患者血清一氧化氮及一氧化氮合酶含量的影响

目的　观察阿托伐他汀对冠心病患者血清一氧化氮 (NO)及一氧化氮合酶 (NOS)含量水平的影响。方法　对用阿托伐他汀治疗的 79例冠心病患者依据是否合并高胆固醇血症分为两组 ,对其治疗前后血清 NO及 NOS含量水平进行对比分析。结果　不论是否合并高胆固醇血症的冠心病 ,阿托伐他汀均可升高其血清 NO及 NOS水平。结论　阿托伐他汀可通过调脂治疗抑制脂质的过氧化反应 ,保护血管内皮功能 ,但其保护内皮功能的作用不受患者是否存在高脂血症的影响 ,改善内皮功能 ,对冠心病的防治具有重要意义。     

Endogenous adipose-derived factors diminish coronary endothelial function via inhibition of nitric oxide synthase

Adipocytokines may be the molecular link between obesity and vascular disease. However, the effects of these factors on coronary vascular function have not been discerned. Accordingly, the goal of this investigation was to delineate the mechanisms by which endogenous adipose-derived factors affect coronary vascular endothelial function. Both isolated canine coronary arteries and coronary blood flow in anesthetized dogs were studied with and without exposure to adipose tissue. Infusion of adipose-conditioned buffer directly into the coronary circulation did not change baseline hemodynamics; however, endothelial-dependent vasodilation to bradykinin was impaired both in vitro and in vivo. Coronary vasodilation to sodium nitroprusside was unaltered by adipose tissue. Oxygen radical formation did not cause the impairment because quantified dihydroethidium staining was decreased by adipose tissue and neither a superoxide dismutase mimetic nor catalase improved endothelial function. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthase with L-NAME diminished bradykinin-mediated relaxations and eliminated the subsequent vascular effects of adipose tissue. In vitro measurement of NO demonstrated that adipose tissue exposure quickly lowered baseline NO and abolished bradykinin-induced NO production. The results indicate that adipose tissue releases factor(s) that selectively impair endothelial-dependent dilation via inhibition of NO synthase-mediated NO production.     

Platelet-derived growth factors

Blood platelets are a rich source of growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor, platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta. Platelet-derived growth factor stimulates the growth of mesenchymal cells such as fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells, whereas platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor is a mitogen for vascular endothelial cells. Transforming growth factor beta is a bifunctional regulator of cellular growth, but acts as a potent inhibitor for most cell types. Most of the growth regulatory substances in platelets have been reported to reside in platelet alpha-granules, but platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor appears to be present in platelet cytoplasm. These growth factors may act at sites of injury as wound hormones. Moreover, they play important roles for some pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis, myelofibrosis, connective tissue diseases, and neoplastic disorders.     

Vasomotion and nitric oxide bioactivity in diseased coronary arteries

Atheromatous coronary stenoses are no longer considered to be passive structures, instead having the capacity for dynamic, often transient, change which may take the form of constriction or dilatation in response to either endogenous or external stimulation.     

冠心病与血管紧张素转换酶和内皮型一氧化氮合酶基因多态性及交互作用的临床研究

目的联合对冠心病患者血管紧张素转换酶（ACE）基因多态性和内皮型一氧化氮合酶（eNOS）基因G894T多态性进行分析,探讨基因多态性与冠心病的关系和交互作用及遗传学机制在冠心病发病及预后中的临床意义。方法应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性（PCR—RFLP）分析技术检测236例冠心病患者及190例正常人ACE和eNOS两种基因多态性。同时测定血脂、血糖、体重指数（BMI）、左室射血分数（LVEF）和血压。结果冠心病组ACE基因DD型频率[36％（86／236）]显著高于对照组[19％（36／190）,P〈0．01],Ⅱ型频率[27％（64／236）]显著低于对照组[49％（93／190）,P〈0．05]。冠心病组DD型甘油三酯（TG）[（2．2±1．7）mmol／L]显著高于Ⅱ型TG[（1．6±0．8）mmol／L和ID型TG[（1．7±0．9）mmol／L,均P〈0．05],DD型高密度脂蛋白胆固醇[HDL—C（1．2±0．4）mmol／L]显著低于Ⅱ型HDL—C[（1．3±0．3）mmol／L,P〈0．05],DD型血糖[（6．2±1．7）mmol／L]和BMI[（25．7±2．8）kg／m^2]显著高于ID型[血糖：（5．6±1．3）mmol／L,BMI：（24．8±3．1）kg／m^2。,P〈0．05],DD型LVEF（56％±14％）显著低于Ⅱ型LVEF（62％±15％）和ID型LVEF（61％±14％）,均P〈0．05。收缩压、舒张压、总胆固醇（TC）、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL—C）、糖尿病组与非糖尿病组、急性冠状动脉综合征组与非急性冠状动脉综合征组、单支病变组与多支病变组在ACE和eNOS基因不同基因型之间差异均无统计学意义。冠心病组eNOS基因GT型频率[28％（67／236）]显著高于对照组[17％（32／190）,P〈0．01],GG型频率与对照组比较,差异无统计学意义。TG、HDL—C、血糖、BMI和LVEF在eNOS基因不同基因型之间差异均无统计学意义（均P〉0．05）。携带DD型患冠心病的概率是携带Ⅱ型的1．74倍（P〈0．01）,携带GT型患冠心病的概率是携带GG型的1．73倍（P〈0．05）。两种基因对患冠心病的交互作用显示为如同时携带Ⅱ型和GG型,患冠心病的概率是37．9％,而同时携带DD型和GT型患冠心病的概率是77．8％。结论ACE基因多态性和eNOS基因多态性与冠心病及某些危险因素显著相关,同时携带DD型和GT型两种易患基因型时,患冠心病的概率明显增加,具有显著的遗传倾向。     

Control of coronary vascular tone by nitric oxide

A specific difference-spectrophotometric method was used to measure nitric oxide (NO) release into the coronary effluent perfusate of isolated, constant-flow-perfused guinea pig hearts. Authentic NO applied into the coronary circulation decreased vascular resistance dose dependently and enhanced coronary release of cyclic GMP (cGMP) fivefold. Increasing oxygen tension in aqueous solutions from 150 to 700 mm Hg decreased NO half-life (5.6 seconds) by 32%. During single passage through the intact coronary system, 86% of the infused NO was converted to nitrite ions. Oxidation of NO was more than 30 times faster within the heart than in aqueous solution. Endogenously formed NO was constantly released into the coronary effluent perfusate at a rate of 161 +/- 11 pmol/min. The NO scavenger oxyhemoglobin and methylene blue increased coronary resistance and decreased cGMP release (basal release, 342 +/- 4 fmol/min), whereas superoxide dismutase reduced coronary resistance. L-Arginine (10(-5) M) slightly decreased coronary perfusion pressure and enhanced release of cGMP. NG-Monomethyl L-arginine (10(-4) M) reduced basal release of NO and cGMP by 26% and 31%, respectively, paralleled by a coronary vasoconstriction. Bradykinin in the physiological range from 5 x 10(-11) M to 10(-7) M dilated coronary resistance vessels, which was paralleled by the release of NO and cGMP. Onset of NO release preceded onset of coronary vasodilation in all cases. Upon stimulation with bradykinin, amounts of endogenously formed NO were within the same range as the dose-response curves for exogenously applied NO both for changes in coronary resistance and cGMP release. Acetylcholine (10(-5) M), ATP (10(-5) M), and serotonin (10(-8) M) increased the rate of NO and cGMP release, resulting in coronary vasodilation. Our data suggest the following: 1) NO, the most rapidly acting vasodilator presently known, is metabolized within the heart mainly to nitrite and exhibits a half-life of only 0.1 second; 2) in the unstimulated heart, basal formation of NO may play an important role in setting the resting tone of coronary resistance vessels; 3) the kinetics and quantities of NO formation suggest that NO is causally involved in the bradykinin-induced coronary vasodilation; and 4) amounts of NO formed within the heart stimulated with ATP, acetylcholine, and serotonin are effective for vasodilation.     

Fibrinogen and other coronary risk factors

The association between plasma fibrinogen concentration and other coronary risk factors diverged in previous studies, and the impact from complex lipoprotein patterns has not been studied. Our research involved 24 healthy subjects without coronary heart disease (control) and 22 patients who had survived having acute myocardial infarction before the age of 41 years (cases), overall 40 men and 6 women with age range of 34 to 54 years. In multiple linear regression analyses concerning control subjects, family disposition, social class, a score based on serum triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations, and fasting capillary blood glucose concentration were significantly associated with plasma fibrinogen concentration (P < .00005, R2 = 0.81). For case subjects, the ratio between serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations was significantly associated with plasma fibrinogen concentration (P = .0018, R2 = 0.39). Thus, for healthy subjects, 4 coronary risk factors explained three quarters of the variation of plasma fibrinogen concentration, and for patients with a previous acute myocardial infarction, another coronary risk factor explained one third of the variation. In conclusion, the pattern of coronary risk factors associated with plasma fibrinogen concentration differed between those without coronary heart disease and those with a previous acute myocardial infarction.     

内皮型一氧化氮合酶基因多态性与冠心病的关系

内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)基因被列为冠心病(CHD)的一个候选易感基因。本文对与冠心病关系较为密切的三种eNOS基因多态性:4b/a、T786C和G894T的研究进展作一综述,对进一步认识冠心病的发病机制具有重要意义。     

内皮型一氧化氮合酶基因多态性与冠心病的研究进展

冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病（cronary atherosclerotic heart disease,CHD）简称冠心病,是指冠状动脉发生粥样硬化引起管腔狭窄或闭塞,导致心肌缺血缺氧或坏死引起的心脏病.吸烟、肥胖、高血压及代谢综合征等均已成为广为人知的几个冠心病重要危险因素.但也有患者没有这些危险因素存在,并且在一些个体中,常有明显的冠心病家族史,说明冠心病是环境与遗传危险因素动态相互作用所致的.目前已有诸多冠心病基因多态性研究,包括内皮型一氧化氮合酶（endothelial nitric oxide synthase,eNOS）.在近年的荟萃分析中显示,某些遗传变异可能为特定群体冠心病发病的危险因素之一.     

Maternal atopic disease modifies effects of prenatal risk factors on exhaled nitric oxide in infants

In a prospective healthy birth cohort, we determined whether levels of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) in healthy unselected infants at the age of 1 month were associated with maternal atopic disease and prenatal and early postnatal environmental exposures. Tidal eNO was measured in 98 healthy, unsedated infants (35 from mothers with atopy) (mean age +/- SD, 36.0 +/- 6.2 days) and was compared with histories taken in standardized interviews. eNO was higher in males compared with females (17.7 vs. 14.6 ppb, p = 0.042) and infants exposed to postnatal maternal smoking (+4.4 ppb, p = 0.027), adjusting for weight and tidal breathing parameters. Prenatal tobacco exposure was associated with higher eNO (+12.0 ppb, p = 0.01) in infants of mothers with asthma and lower eNO (-5.7 ppb) in infants of mothers without asthma (p for interaction < 0.0001). Coffee consumption in pregnancy decreased eNO (-6.0 ppb, p = 0.008) only in children of mothers with atopy (p for interaction = 0.015). Paternal atopy had no influence. In the early phase of immunologic development, before the onset of infections and allergic disease, the effect of prenatal or early postnatal environmental factors on eNO was modified by the presence of maternal atopic disease. This underlines the complex interaction of maternal and environmental factors in the development of airway disease.     

Evaluation of bioavailability of nitric oxide in coronary circulation by direct measurement of plasma nitric oxide concentration

Although bioavailability of NO in the coronary circulation is commonly evaluated by acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasodilation, a change in plasma NO concentration and its relation to the flow response after injection of ACh are still unknown. Thus, we directly measured the concentration of NO in the coronary sinus by using a catheter-type NO sensor for coronary sinus. An NO-sensitive sensor was located and fixed in a 4-Fr catheter with a soft tip for protection of vascular wall. After calibration with an NO-saturated pure water, the catheter-type NO sensor was located in the coronary sinus in anesthetized dogs. The coronary flow velocity (CFV) was measured with a Doppler guide wire. Intracoronary injection of ACh (0.4 and 1.0 microg/kg) increased plasma NO concentration in a dose-dependent manner (3-10 nM). Although ACh increased CFV by 95%, there was no significant difference between the two ACh doses. After ACh, the peak value of plasma NO concentration was observed significantly later than CFV. N(G)-methyl-L-arginine (NO synthase inhibitor) decreased basal NO concentration by 3 nM and suppressed the ACh-induced NO synthesis with no significant change in average peak velocity. We conclude that production of NO in the coronary circulation can be evaluated in the coronary sinus. Although ACh increases both CFV and NO concentration, CFV dose not reflect NO concentration in terms of magnitude and time course. Direct measurement of plasma NO concentration by the catheter-type NO sensor is useful to evaluate bioavailability of NO in the coronary circulation.     

Modulation of coronary autoregulatory responses by endothelium-derived nitric oxide

There is increasing evidence that endothelium-derived nitric oxide production is an important mechanism contributing to the regulation of myocardial perfusion during ischemia distal to a coronary stenosis. Studies in conscious chronically instrumented animals have extended observations in isolated arterioles to demonstrate that inhibiting nitric oxide synthase with -arginine analogs increases the vulnerability of the myocardium to ischemia. The variable extent to which endothelium-dependent function is impaired in human atherosclerosis raises the possibility that abnormalities in resistance vessel control contribute to the functional significance of a fixed epicardial coronary stenosis. This may explain the wide variability between the physiological effects of a given coronary stenosis and its angiographic severity. Aggressive intervention to normalize endothelium-dependent vasodilation and local nitric oxide release may have beneficial effects on the functional significance of a coronary stenosis.     

Alpha-adducin polymorphism, salt sensitivity, nitric oxide excretion, and cardiovascular risk factors in normotensive Hispanics

BACKGROUND: Genetic and environmental factors determine the blood pressure (BP) response to changes in salt intake. Mutations in the alpha-adducin gene may be associated with hypertension and salt-sensitive hypertension. We investigated whether one alpha-adducin polymorphism, the Gly460Trp (G/T) variant, was associated with salt sensitivity, nitric oxide (NO) production; and cardiovascular risk factors in healthy adult normotensive Venezuelans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Subjects (n = 126) were screened for salt sensitivity. The alpha-Adducin polymorphism was tested in salt-sensitive (SS) and salt-resistant (SR) subjects. The G/T and G/G (wild gene) groups had similar BP levels. The G/T subjects had higher LDL-cholesterol (P =.01) and postload glucose AUC (P =.03) than G/G individuals. Genotype frequencies were not associated with BP or salt sensitivity (G/G, 38.1% SS and 61.9% SR vs G/T, 40.7% SS and 59.3% SR). Shifting from high salt to low salt diet produced comparable reductions in systolic BP and diastolic BP in G/T and G/G groups. The G/G and G/T groups excreted similar amounts of sodium on high and low salt diets. The SR subjects carrying the wild or the mutated gene showed no changes in NO metabolite excretion at different levels of salt intake. In SS subjects, the level of NO metabolite excretion was highly dependent on salt intake. A combination of SS and 460Trp mutation enhanced the sodium-dependent modulation of NO production. CONCLUSIONS: In normotensive Venezuelans, the alpha-adducin G/T polymorphism was not associated with BP, salt sensitivity, or with sodium excretion during sodium loading or restriction. G/T was associated with increased LDL-cholesterol and postload glucose levels. In SS, G/T was associated with greater salt-dependent modulation of NO excretion. However, this larger increase in NO excretion was not associated with a larger decrease in BP.