This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (e.g. aging, high blood pressure, high cholesterol) are associated with decreases in the ability of the arteries to dilate (i.e., increase in size) in response to increases in blood flow. This is called 'vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED).' One known contributor of VED is 'oxidative stress' which is caused by an excess of oxygen free radicals. Oxygen free radicals are generated continuously as a function of normal metabolism and can damage your body's cells. However, risk factors for cardiovascular disease are generally associated with an increase in 'oxidative stress' as well as enhanced VED. In addition, low-levels of inflammation in the blood and in the blood vessel lining (i.e. endothelium) may be a consequence of increased 'oxidative stress' and therefore may directly or indirectly contribute to VED. However, the relationship between blood and endothelial cell measures of inflammation and oxidative stress and measure of the blood vessel's ability to dilate in individuals of different ages and risk factors are unknown. Therefore, this study is designed to test the relation between oxidative stress/inflammation and endothelial function in adult men and women.
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