Am J Cardiovasc Dis 2011;1(2):150-158
Review Article
Heme oxygenase-1 in inflammation and cardiovascular disease
Meng-Ling Wu, Yen-Chun Ho, Chen-Yu Lin, Shaw-Fang Yet
Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular
Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical
Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
Received June 27, 2011; accepted June , 2011; Epub June , 2011; published July 30, 2011
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease accounts for 1 of every 2.9 deaths in the United States, thus the burden of the disease
remains high. Given the high mortality and escalating healthcare cost for the disease, it is of urgent need to treat
cardiovascular disease effectively. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) catalyzes the oxidation of heme to generate carbon
monoxide, biliverdin, and iron. These reaction products of HO-1 have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative functions.
Although HO-1 is expressed at low levels in most tissues under normal basal conditions, it is highly inducible in response
to various pathophysiological stresses. Numerous studies have indicated that HO-1 induction is an adaptive defense
mechanism to protect cells and tissues against injury in many disease settings. This review highlights the role of HO-1 in
inflammation and several cardiovascular diseases—atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, graft survival after heart
transplantation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Given that inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with
development of cardiovascular disease and that HO-1 has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, HO-1 is
emerging as a great potential therapeutic target for treating cardiovascular disease. (AJCD1106004).
Keywords: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), inflammation, cardiovascular disease
Full Text PDF
Address all correspondence to:
Shaw-Fang Yet, PhD
National Health Research Institutes
35 Keyan Road, Zhunan
Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan.
Tel: +886-37-246166, Fax: +886-37-587408
E-mail: syet@nhri.org.tw
Review Article
Heme oxygenase-1 in inflammation and cardiovascular disease
Meng-Ling Wu, Yen-Chun Ho, Chen-Yu Lin, Shaw-Fang Yet
Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular
Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical
Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
Received June 27, 2011; accepted June , 2011; Epub June , 2011; published July 30, 2011
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease accounts for 1 of every 2.9 deaths in the United States, thus the burden of the disease
remains high. Given the high mortality and escalating healthcare cost for the disease, it is of urgent need to treat
cardiovascular disease effectively. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) catalyzes the oxidation of heme to generate carbon
monoxide, biliverdin, and iron. These reaction products of HO-1 have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative functions.
Although HO-1 is expressed at low levels in most tissues under normal basal conditions, it is highly inducible in response
to various pathophysiological stresses. Numerous studies have indicated that HO-1 induction is an adaptive defense
mechanism to protect cells and tissues against injury in many disease settings. This review highlights the role of HO-1 in
inflammation and several cardiovascular diseases—atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, graft survival after heart
transplantation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Given that inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with
development of cardiovascular disease and that HO-1 has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, HO-1 is
emerging as a great potential therapeutic target for treating cardiovascular disease. (AJCD1106004).
Keywords: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), inflammation, cardiovascular disease
Full Text PDF
Address all correspondence to:
Shaw-Fang Yet, PhD
National Health Research Institutes
35 Keyan Road, Zhunan
Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan.
Tel: +886-37-246166, Fax: +886-37-587408
E-mail: syet@nhri.org.tw
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