Mediators of Inflammation
Volume 4 (1995), Issue 6, Pages 387-396
doi:10.1155/S0962935195000639
Nitric oxide as a mediator of inflammation?—You had better believe it
1Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
2Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport LA, USA
Abstract
Nitric oxide has enigmatic qualities in inflammation. In order to appreciate the precise contributions of nitric oxide to a pathophysiological process, one must account for enzyme source, coproduction of oxidants and antioxidant defences, time, rate of nitric oxide production, cellular source, peroxynitrite formation and effects on DNA (mutagenesis/apoptosis). We contend that there is ample evidence to consider nitric oxide as a molecular aggressor in inflammation, particularly chronic inflammation. Therapeutic benefit can be achieved by inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and not the donation of additional nitric oxide. Furthermore, there is growing appreciation that nitric oxide and products derived thereof, are critical components linking the increased incidence of cancer in states of chronic inflammation.