Nox-5 Expression In Circulating Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: A Potential Biomarker For Accelerated Cardiovascular Disease In Diabetes

Background and Aims: Cardiovascular disease is accelerated in diabetes contributing to premature mortality and morbidity in these patients. There is increased production of ROS in the vasculature in diabetes, predominantly generated by NADPH oxidases (Nox). Nox5 is a recently described Nox isoform, upregulated in hypertension and diabetes. This isoform is expressed in humans, but not in mice or rats. The aim of this study was to determine Nox5 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of diabetic and non-diabetic patients with and without unstable cardiovascular disease and to characterise its potential role as a biomarker.