Figure 2.

Nitric oxygen regulates cardiovascular metabolism and is compromised in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. eNOS catalyzes the production of NO from L-arginine. NO is an essential metabolite that inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis improving vasorelaxation, angiogenesis, endothelial function, insulin secretion, glucose clearance, and mitochondrial efficiency. On the other hand, it reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, plasma lipid levels, and stenosis. Cardiovascular risk factors, such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes, inhibit eNOS activity upon NF-kβ induction, reducing NO and promoting atherosclerosis development.