Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide.
Despite huge efforts and great advances in studying the genetic component of
CVD, there is still a great need for exploring the genetic and environmental
factors contributing to the development of this disease. Among these factors
evolve modulation of nitric oxide (NO) homeostasis and oxidative stress as
central players according to recent reports. A wide range of biochemical disturbances, including reduced bioavailability of NO and oxidative stress, has been
shown to be associated with endothelial dysfunction (ED). Many studies
described the contribution of ED in the predisposition of CVD, particularly
coronary artery disease (CAD). Recent evidence indicates that ED may be
genetically determined. This chapter points out to the key players that influence
vascular NO levels and their role in the protection against and/or predisposition
to CAD
