THE EFFECTS OF P22PHOX GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS AND NATURAL COMPOUNDS ON REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES FORMATION

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a role in cardiovascular health and disease. This study was undertaken to determine if ROS formation is influenced by either common genetic variations in p22phox, a subunit of the ROS generating enzyme NOX1, or by natural plant compounds with cardiovascular benefits. Hydrogen peroxide production was measured using Amplex Red, and superoxide generation was measured using NBT and MCLA. Each of seven p22phox variants supported ROS generation by NOX1. No differences were found in the rate of ROS production; however, unequal transfer of the p22phox gene may be a confounding factor. A variation in the 3’UTR of the p22phox gene led to lower p22phox protein levels, whereas none of the other variations affected mRNA or protein expression. The natural compound resveratrol acts as an antioxidant towards hydrogen peroxide, but not superoxide. Resveratrol does not inhibit NOX1 activity.