The discovery of the roles of nitric oxide (NO) in cardiovascular signaling has led to a revolution in the understanding of cardiovascular disease. A new perspective to this story involving zinc (Zn) is emerging. Zn and its associated Zn transporter proteins are important for the integrity and functions of both the large conduit vessels and the microvascular resistance vessels. The Zn and NO pathways are tightly coordinated. Zn ions are required for the dimerization of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and subsequent generation of NO while generation of NO leads to a rapid mobilization of endothelial Zn stores. Labile Zn may mediate important downstream actions of NO including vascular cytoprotection and vasodilation. Several vascular disease risk factors (including aging, smoking and diabetes) interfere with Zn homeostatic mechanisms and both hypozincaemia and Zn transporter protein abnormalities are linked to atherosclerosis and microvascular disease. Some vegetarian diets and long-term use of certain anti-hypertensives may also impact on Zn status. The available evidence supports the existence of a Zn regulatory pathway in the vascular wall that is coupled to the generation and actions of NO and which is compromised in Zn deficiency with consequent implications for the pathogenesis and therapy of vascular disease.

中文翻译：

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内皮锌稳态在血管生理和冠状动脉疾病中的作用

一氧化氮（NO）在心血管信号中的作用的发现引发了对心血管疾病的理解的一场革命。涉及锌（Zn）的这个故事的新观点正在出现。锌及其相关的锌转运蛋白对于大型导管和微血管阻力血管的完整性和功能都很重要。锌和一氧化氮的途径是紧密协调的。内皮一氧化氮合酶的二聚化和随后生成一氧化氮需要锌离子，而生成一氧化氮会导致内皮锌存储库的快速动员。不稳定的锌可能介导NO的重要下游作用，包括血管细胞保护和血管舒张。几种血管疾病的危险因素（包括衰老，吸烟和糖尿病）会干扰锌的体内平衡机制，低锌血症和锌转运蛋白异常都与动脉粥样硬化和微血管疾病有关。一些素食饮食和长期服用某些抗高血压药也会影响锌的状况。现有证据支持在血管壁中存在锌调节通路，该通路与一氧化氮的产生和作用有关，并且在锌缺乏症中受损，从而对血管疾病的发病机理和治疗产生了影响。