Down-regulation of neprilysin (EC3.4.24.11) expression in vascular endothelial cells by laminar shear stress involves NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS production.

Neprilysin (NEP, neutral endopeptidase, EC3.4.24.

Cyclic strain-mediated matrix metalloproteinase regulation within the vascular endothelium: a force to be reckoned with.

The vascular endothelium is a dynamic cellular interface between the vessel wall and the bloodstream, where it regulates the physiological effects of humoral and biomechanical stimuli on vessel tone and remodeling. With respect to the latter hemodynamic stimulus, the endothelium is chronically exposed to mechanical forces in the form of cyclic circumferential strain, resulting from the pulsatile nature of blood flow, and shear stress. Both forces can profoundly modulate endothelial cell (EC) metabolism and function and, under normal physiological conditions, impart an atheroprotective effect that disfavors pathological remodeling of the vessel wall.