NOS gene mutation
NOS genes are responsible for the control of nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is an important biologic mediator in several processes, including neurotransmission and antimicrobial and antitumoral activities. Nitic oxide is also important for heart health because the NOS gene produces the nitric oxide that is needed to prevent the constriction of blood vessels.
NOS & Heart health problems
NOS gene mutations can cause a reduced production of nitric oxide leading to constricted blood vessels, when this happens, it is harder for your heart to get the oxygen it needs to keep going. The main concerns with NOS gene mutations are:
- Coronary spasm
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Blood pressure control
- Vasculature (arrangement of blood vessels in the body)
- Nervous system problems such as learning and memory
- Immune system problems
- Free radical damage
NOS is a balancing act
- Low levels of nitric oxide are bad because they can cause heart problems
- Too much nitric oxide can be damaging as a result of too many free radicals or free radical damage
Let’s take a look at the NOS genes, as you can see there are homozygous (double bad copies in red):
