Genotype dependent and cigarette specific effects on endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene expression and enzyme activity

Abstract
We explored the interactive effects of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) genotypes and cigarette smoking on protein levels and enzyme activity in 33 postpartum placentas. Whilst the eNOS protein levels were lower in the rare allele (0.48±0.11, n=9 vs. 1.05±0.10, n=24, PPPn=5, smokers: 2968.5±259.4, n=4, 52% reduction, P<0.01). We conclude that associations between eNOS polymorphism and protein levels and enzyme activities are modifiable by smoking, the effects of smoking are dependent on the eNOS genotypes.