Nox2-Derived Superoxide Contributes to Cerebral Vascular Dysfunction in Diet-Induced Obesity

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction produced by a HFD occurs in a temporal manner and appears much earlier in cerebral arterioles than in carotid arteries. Genetic studies revealed that Nox2-derived superoxide plays a major role in endothelial dysfunction produced by a HFD. Such functional changes may serve to predispose blood vessels to reduced vasodilator responses and thus may contribute to alterations in cerebral blood flow associated with obesity.