Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase: A Promiscuous Therapeutic Target for Cardiovascular Drugs?

The increased expression and activity of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex has emerged as a major common factor in the etiology of all forms of cardiovascular diseases since the upregulation of intravascular NADPH oxidase results in the formation of superoxide (O₂⁻), which in turn promotes vasculopathy. An ever-increasing number of drugs commonly used in cardiovascular medicine have been shown to influence NADPH oxidase expression and activity. These include nitric oxide donors, nitroaspirin, eicosanoids, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, corticosteroids, antioxidants, and specific inhibitors. The objective of this review is to discuss these drugs in relation to the mechanisms underlying their effects on NADPH oxidase activity and the expression and therapeutic implications of these effects.