ABSTRACT

Vascular endothelial cells release nitric oxide which relaxes and suppresses abnormal proliferation vascular smooth muscle cells and inhibit low-density lipoprotein oxidation involved in atherogenesis. Thus, inhibiting low-density lipoproteins intimal deposition and oxidation and preserving nitric oxide function in arteries constitutes one therapeutic strategy to prevent cardiovascular pathologies associated with diabetes and obesity. The progressive deposition of cholesteryl ester and fibrous elements in arterial intima leads to atherosclerosis. Hypertension is one of the greatest public health problems, and it is estimated that by 2025 about 60% of the world population will suffer from it. Atherogenesis encompasses the entry and chronic deposition of low-density lipoprotein in arterial intima. The antithrombotic and antiatherogenic properties of nitric oxide produced by endothelial cells are due to the ability of this signaling molecule to inhibit low-density lipoprotein oxidation, intimal vascular smooth muscle cells migration, and proliferation.