Differential Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide and Superoxide Anion on Apoptosis and Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract

Different reactive oxygen species exert distinct effects on VSMCs, with O2- inducing proliferation and H2O2 causing apoptosis. Thus, reactive oxygen species might participate in atherosclerosis, restenosis, and hypertension in a dual manner by stimulating proliferation and triggering apoptosis of VSMCs.