Lipids: potential regulators of nitric oxide generation

The endothelium is a dynamic organ that secretes several biologically active substances and plays a major functional role in the health of an organism in both physiological and pathological conditions. For instance, the endothelium is involved in control of the exchange of plasma and tissue biomolecules, regulation of vessel tone, inflammation, lipid metabolism, vessel growth and remodeling, and modulation of coagulation and fibrinolysis (6, 12, 15). The endothelium generates nitric oxide, which is a key regulator of vasodilation and plays important roles in preventing, or in some cases promoting, numerous cardiovascular diseases (41). Several recent studies have examined the interplay between lipids and nitric oxide generation, especially in relation to atherosclerosis (14, 29, 34, 36, 40). The endothelium is continuously exposed to circulating lipids in the form of lipoproteins and protein carriers that may have a direct impact on nitric oxide synthesis and function. The purpose of this review is to illustrate some of the recent findings that link lipids (plasma and cellular) to nitric oxide generation (see Fig. 1).