The NADPH oxidase (NOX) family of superoxide (O2•−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) producing proteins has been important source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS produced by Nox proteins Nox1-5 and Duox1/2 are now recognized to play essential role in the physiology of the brain, immune system, vasculature, digestive tract as well as in hormone synthesis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to several aspects of vascular diseases including ischemia reperfusion injury, scavenging of nitric oxide, or stimulation of inflammation and hypertrophy. NADPH oxidases are differentially expressed in the cardiovascular system, induced or activated by cardiovascular risk factors and importantly contribute to the oxidative burden of vascular diseases. Surprisingly, large clinical trials have shown that ROS scavenging by antioxidant vitamins is ineffective or harmful. Therefore, prevention of ROS formation, by targeting specific sources of superoxide anion and other ROS, might prove beneficial. In this review article we have discussed structure, activation, localization and function of NADPH oxidases (NOX) family and its central role in oxidative stress and cardiovascular diseases..
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