Impact of Nitric Oxide Precursors and Donors on Vascular Function and Health

Dear Colleagues,

Aging, obesity, and cardiometabolic abnormalities are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The amino acid L-arginine is the substrate for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in endothelial cells. NO is a potent vasodilator, and its availability is essential for vascular health. NO can be produced via the L-arginine-NO and nitrate–nitrite–NO pathways from precursors and donors.

Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by low NO availability, is an early indicator for the development of CVD via arterial stiffening and atherosclerosis. Cardiometabolic risk factors contribute to endothelial dysfunction, including hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and abdominal adiposity. Reduced NO production could be reverted with NO precursors and NO donors.

Although L-arginine, L-citrulline, and dietary nitrates have shown effectiveness in improving endothelial function, blood flow, and blood pressure, more evidence on the vascular effects of these NO precursors and donors requires further research.

This Special Issue aims to collect original research, meta-analyses, and systemic reviews on the effects of dietary and supplementary NO precursors (e.g., amino acids such as L-citrulline, L-arginine) or donors (e.g., nitrates) on vascular function and health in individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors or diseases

Prof. Dr. Arturo Figueroa
Guest Editor

Dr. Arun Maharaj
Guest Editor Assistant

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• blood pressure
• endothelial function
• arterial stiffness
• aortic hemodynamics
• blood flow
• dietary nitrates
• arginine
• citrulline
• nitric oxide
• amino acids