Tetrahydrobiopterin, superoxide, and vascular dysfunction.

ABSTRACT: (6R)-5,6,7,8-Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) is an endogenously produced pterin that is found widely distributed in mammalian tissues. BH(4) works as a cofactor of aromatic amino acid hydroxylases and nitric oxide synthases. In the vasculature a deficit of BH(4) is implicated in the mechanisms of several diseases including atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetic vascular disease, and vascular complications from cigarette smoking and environmental pollution. These ill-effects are connected to the ability of BH(4) to regulate reactive oxygen species levels in the endothelium. The possibility of using BH(4) as a therapeutical agent in cardiovascular medicine is becoming more compelling and many biochemical and physiological aspects involved in this application are currently under investigation. T

SUBMITTER: Vasquez-Vivar J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2852262 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature