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A miracle in the human body: How do nitric oxides help us fight disease?
In the human body, nitric oxide (NO) is recognized as an important signaling molecule with multiple biological functions, including regulation of blood flow, immune response, and neurotransmission. Although its half-life is only a few seconds, nitrogen oxides have a profound impact on human health due to their special chemical properties and reactivity in physiological and pathological processes.
Nitrogen oxide was named "Molecule of the Year" in 1992, and its role in cardiovascular signaling earned researchers the Nobel Prize in 1998.
Sources of Nitrogen Oxides
The synthesis of nitric oxide involves multiple pathways, mainly produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), a calcium-dependent enzyme that can generate NO from L-arginine and oxygen and produce Citric acid is produced as a by-product. In the immune system, phagocytes such as macrophages can produce large amounts of NO through inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which plays an important role in antibacterial and anti-tumor activities.
Application of exogenous nitrogen oxides
In some cases, the body is unable to synthesize sufficient NO, in which case exogenous sources of NO become a powerful supplement. Drugs such as nitroglycerin and amyl nitrite can be converted into nitrogen oxides after entering the human body, thereby achieving the effect of vasodilation, which helps treat hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Studies have shown that dietary nitrates are also a source of nitrogen oxides, especially from green leafy vegetables and beets.
Immune response to nitric oxide
Nitrogen oxides play an important role in the immune response, fighting bacteria and parasites. When phagocytes detect pathogens, iNOS is activated and produces large amounts of NO, a process that can kill pathogens through mechanisms such as DNA damage. In addition, the production of NO is closely related to the regulation of inflammatory response and may have both promoting and inhibiting effects.
Molecular effects of nitrogen oxides on biological systems
In cells, nitrogen oxides exert their biological effects mainly through two reactions: S-nitrosation and nitrosylation of metal centers. These responses can affect the activity of a variety of proteins, thereby regulating cellular function.
Dilation of blood vessels and its effects on the heart
The vasodilator effect of nitric oxide can effectively increase blood flow and lower blood pressure. Its role in smooth muscle makes it an important neurotransmitter in the intestine and erectile tissue, and emerging research suggests that nitric oxide is increasingly associated with coronary artery disease.
The role of nitrogen oxides in plants and bacteria
In addition to its functions in the human body, nitrogen oxides also play the role of signaling molecules in plants, promoting the plant's antioxidant stress response and disease interaction. In some bacteria, such as the radiation-resistant Deinococcus radiodurans, NO helps them proliferate after DNA damage is repaired.
Medical applications and challenges
Nitrogen oxides have a wide range of medical applications, especially in the treatment of hypoxic respiratory failure in premature infants, where they have achieved remarkable results. Although nitroxoxides require careful dosing to avoid side effects, they have been widely used in the treatment of neonatal and adult patients due to their significant efficacy.
Every inhaled pulmonary nitric oxide treatment undoubtedly brings hope to many critically ill patients, improving their quality of life and chances of survival.
Nitrogen oxides play a vital role in the human body, and their impact on various physiological and pathological processes cannot be underestimated. Looking ahead, how might we use this amazing molecule to improve health and even save lives?
