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 of the Nox family are differentially expressed in the cardiovascular system, induced or activated by cardiovascular risk factors and importantly contribute to the oxidative burden of vascular diseases. Moreover, NADPH oxidase-derived ROS are important signaling molecules under physiological conditions. In this article, the current knowledge on NADPH oxidase expression, activation, and signaling in the cardiovascular system as well as the impact of risk factors on the function of these proteins will be reviewed. Finally, the contribution of NADPH oxidases to the predominant cardiovascular diseases will be discussed.
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