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NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 and its Potential Protective Role in Cardiovascular Diseases and Related Conditions

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Abstract

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO) represents a family of flavoproteins that catalyze the two-electron reduction of quinones and their derivatives. In mammalian systems, there are two members of NQO, namely, NQO1 and NQO2. NQO1 utilizes NAD(P)H, whereas NQO2 employs dihydronicotinamide riboside (NRH) as the electron donors. In addition to the well-documented action in reducing quinone compounds and preventing the formation of reactive oxygen species, NQO enzymes, especially NQO1 also possess other important biological activities. These include anti-inflammatory effects, direct scavenging of superoxide anion radicals, and stabilization of p53 and other tumor suppressors. Recently, multiple studies in animal models demonstrated a potential role for NQO1 in protecting against cardiovascular injury and related conditions, including atherogenesis, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Functional gene polymorphisms have been identified in human NQO1 gene. Studies on the association between NQO1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to disease development also suggested a possible involvement of NQO1 in human cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. This review is intended to summarize the recent development regarding the biochemical properties and molecular regulation of NQO1 and its potential beneficial role in cardiovascular diseases and related conditions, including metabolic syndrome.

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Acknowledgments

This work is supported in part by NIH grants DK81905 (HZ) and HL93557 (YL).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Biomedical Sciences, Edward via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, 1861 Pratt Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA

    Hong Zhu & Yunbo Li

  2. Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA

    Hong Zhu & Yunbo Li

  3. Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA

    Yunbo Li

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  1. Hong Zhu
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Correspondence to Hong Zhu.

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Zhu, H., Li, Y. NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 and its Potential Protective Role in Cardiovascular Diseases and Related Conditions. Cardiovasc Toxicol 12, 39–45 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-011-9136-9

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