NADPH Oxidases: From Molecular Mechanisms to Current Inhibitors

J Med Chem. 2023 Sep 14;66(17):11632-11655. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00770. Epub 2023 Aug 31.

Abstract

NADPH oxidases (NOXs) form a family of electron-transporting membrane enzymes whose main function is reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Strong evidence suggests that ROS produced by NOX enzymes are major contributors to oxidative damage under pathologic conditions. Therefore, blocking the undesirable actions of these enzymes is a therapeutic strategy for treating various pathological disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and cancer. To date, identification of selective NOX inhibitors is quite challenging, precluding a pharmacologic demonstration of NOX as therapeutic targets in vivo. The aim of this Perspective is to furnish an updated outlook about the small-molecule NOX inhibitors described over the last two decades. Structures, activities, and in vitro/in vivo specificity are discussed, as well as the main biological assays used.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biological Assay
  • Cardiovascular Diseases*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • NADPH Oxidases*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species

Substances

  • NADPH Oxidases
  • Reactive Oxygen Species