Nitric oxide donor GEA 3162 inhibits endothelial cell-mediated oxidation of low density lipoprotein.

The effect of a nitric oxide (NO) donor GEA 3162 on the endothelial cell (EC)-mediated oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) was studied. In comparison to LDL incubated with EC without GEA 3162, the presence of GEA 3162 inhibited LDL oxidation by EC, as indicated by the following findings. (a) The degradation rate of LDL in macrophages was reduced to control levels. (b) The electrophoretic mobility of LDL decreased in a dose-dependent manner. (c) The concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and hydroperoxide-derived hydroxy fatty acids were lower. (d) The breakdown of apolipoprotein B was reduced. The results indicate that GEA 3162 prevents EC-mediated oxidation of LDL.