Expression of NO synthases and redox enzymes in umbilical arteries from newborns born small, appropriate, and large for gestational age.

Modified expression of nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) and an imbalance between the pro-oxidative and the antioxidative system accompany endothelial dysfunction, the first stage of atherosclerosis. Humans born small (SGA) or large (LGA) for gestational age are at higher risk of developing atherosclerosis later in life than humans born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). We hypothesized that indicators of endothelial dysfunction could be detectable at birth. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the expression patterns of NO synthases (endothelial NOS (eNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and neuronal NOS (nNOS)), pro-oxidative enzymes (components of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ph…