Therapeutic Potential of Heme Oxygenase-1/Carbon Monoxide in Lung Disease

Figure 2

Overview of the signaling pathways relevant to the cytoprotective effects of CO. HO-1 and CO can confer cyto-/tissue-protection in models of acute lung injury (ALI) and sepsis. The homeostatic and beneficial effects of CO gas and CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) in animal models of ALI/sepsis occur through multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms that include regulation of the redox state, inflammation, the vasodilation response. CO gas and CORMs regulate different signaling pathways including cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), mitogen-activated protein (MAP), kinase signaling pathways, and potassium (K⁺) ion channels. Autophagy is regulated by HO-1/CO levels in a cell-type-specific manner and has a role in the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity and modulation of reaction oxygen species (ROS) production.