NOS3 and endothelial dysfunction: Although eNOS is an important player in regulating vascular function with anti-atherogenic properties [47, 48], reports on its role in hypercholesterolemia are mixed: Hypercholesterolemia was reported to upregulate eNOS expression in the rabbit aorta [49], while it may be functionally compromised and contribute to endothelial dysfunction in CAD patients [50].