Serum Levels of Nitric Oxide Metabolites in Dyslipidemia Individuals

Abstract

Nitric  oxide (NO)  is a signaling  molecule with an important role in vascular homeostasis.

Decreased production of NO is observed in individuals with endothelial dysfunction, which is

an important  step in  the pathogenesis of  atherosclerosis  and cardiovascular   disease (CVD).

Dyslipidemia  is considered as a risk factor of atherosclerosis  and CVD.   Therefore,  the objective

of  this  study  was  to determine  NO  metabolite levels  in serum of dyslipidemia subjects by

a simple chemical reaction, Griess  method, in order to evaluate endothelial dysfunction. Two

hundred subjects, 35-60 years old non-smokers with no history of diabetes and hypertension,

were recruited and divided into two groups; dyslipidemia (total cholesterol > 200 mg/dL,

triglyceride > 150 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol > 130 mg/dL) and normolipemia.  General  data,

age, sex and body  mass  index  (BMI),   were  collected. Serum  NO  metabolite levels were slightly

lower  in  dyslipidemia subjects (43.99  ± 9.34  μM)) than in  the normolipemia (46.03   ± 15.19

μM). However,  they were not significantly  different.  In addition, serum levels of NO  were not

correlated with age, sex and BMI.  In  conclusion, NO  metabolite  levels  did  not  change  in

dyslipidemia subjects, compared to normolipemia; therefore, it may not be appropriate for

evaluating endothelial dysfunction.