Active NF-E2-related factor (Nrf2) contributes to keep endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in the coupled state: role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), eNOS, and heme oxygenase (HO-1) levels.

ABSTRACT: The aim of our study was to examine in detail the impact of NF-E2-related factor (Nrf2) activation on endothelial cell function with focus on redox homeostasis and the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) system. We administered 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oic imidazolide (CDDO-IM), a known activator of Nrf2, to primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Activation of Nrf2 by CDDO-IM increased the amount of bioavailable nitric oxide (NO), a major contributor to vascular homeostasis, in naive and stressed cells. Concomitantly, intracellular reactive oxygen species were dose-and time-dependently reduced. In apparent contrast to elevated NO levels, eNOS protein expression was transiently decreased in an Nrf2-dependent manner. Employing pharmacological inhibitors as well as a

SUBMITTER: Heiss EH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2797228 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature