Endothelial nitric oxide synthase intron 4a/b polymorphism and early atherosclerotic changes in hypopituitary GH-deficient adult patients.

Abstract

Objective: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) intron 4a/b polymorphism is associated with plasma NO concentrations and coronary artery disease/hypertension in various populations. GH deficiency in adulthood predisposes to reduced NO concentrations and premature atherosclerosis. Our aim was to determine whether intron 4a/b polymorphism of eNOS gene influences endothelial function and early atherosclerotic changes in GH-deficient hypopituitary patients.