Summary

Nitric oxide, a gaseous free radical, is one of the ten smallest molecules found in nature. NO regulates vascular relaxation, controls inflammation, and suppresses expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in mast cells, macrophages, and vascular smooth muscles. NO regulates blood flow and modulates platelet and leukocyte activation, adhesion, and aggregation. This Entry Collection aims to help advance our understanding of the role that NO plays in physiology and pharmacology, which may lead to applications against various diseases.

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Entries
Topic Review
In Vivo Exploration of Antioxidant Activity
In vivo exploration of antioxidant activity involves studying how antioxidants function within living organisms, providing a comprehensive understanding of their biological relevance, efficacy, and potential therapeutic applications. Unlike in vitro studies, which assess antioxidant activity in controlled environments, in vivo studies account for factors like bioavailability, metabolism, tissue distribution, and interaction with other biomolecules. Commonly used models include rodents, zebrafish, and fruit flies, with techniques that measure oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and enzyme activities. In vivo antioxidant research is crucial for understanding how these compounds can prevent and treat diseases linked to oxidative stress, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Additionally, antioxidants are explored for their potential in promoting healthy aging, extending lifespan, and protecting against environmental stressors like radiation and chemical toxicants. Despite their significance, in vivo studies face challenges, including species differences, dose translation, and ethical considerations. Future research aims to integrate in vitro, in vivo, and computational models to develop novel antioxidants with improved efficacy and safety. Ultimately, in vivo antioxidant research is essential for translating laboratory findings into practical health applications, guiding the development of therapies that combat oxidative stress and related diseases.
  • 135
  • 02 Sep 2024
Topic Review
In Vitro Exploration of Antioxidant Activity
In vitro exploration of antioxidant activity involves testing substances in controlled laboratory environments to assess their ability to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative damage. Common assays include DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP, which measure radical scavenging, reducing power, and metal chelation. These tests are essential in fields like food science, pharmacology, and toxicology for evaluating the potential health benefits of natural compounds, drugs, and supplements. While in vitro results offer valuable insights, they must be complemented by in vivo studies to confirm efficacy, given that laboratory conditions may not fully replicate biological complexities.
  • 125
  • 02 Sep 2024
Topic Review
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules essential for cell signaling and immune defense. However, excessive ROS production leads to oxidative stress, damaging DNA, proteins, and lipids, and contributing to diseases like cancer, neurodegeneration, and aging. Balancing ROS and antioxidants is crucial for cellular health and homeostasis.
  • 206
  • 26 Aug 2024
Topic Review
Rokumijiogan, Hachimijiogan and Bakumijiogan in Nephrectomized Rats
According to the underlying concepts of TCM(traditional Chinese medicine) theory, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is commonly regarded as caused by Qi deficiency and Yang deficiency due to Xieqi repletion. The basic treatment principle of TCM is Yang/Qi-replenishing and Xieqi-draining. 
  • 529
  • 19 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Integrins and Immune Cells in Cancer Immunology
Integrins, a superfamily of cell adhesion receptors, bind to extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands and cell surface ligands to mediate physiological activities. Integrins are composed of a transmembrane α subunit and β subunit, with 18 α subunits and 8 β subunits currently known, constituting 24 heterodimers in humans that are divided into four categories: RGD receptors, leucocyte-specific receptors, collagen receptors, and laminin receptors.
  • 1.4K
  • 12 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Cross-Talk of Gasotransmitters and Sphingolipid Signalling
Redox-active mediators are now appreciated as powerful molecules to regulate cellular dynamics such as viability, proliferation, migration, cell contraction, and relaxation, as well as gene expression under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. These molecules include the various reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the gasotransmitters nitric oxide (NO∙), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). For each of these molecules, direct targets have been identified which transmit the signal from the cellular redox state to a cellular response. There is a cross-regulation existing between the redox mediators and sphingolipid molecules that have a fundamental impact on a cell’s fate and organ function. 
  • 630
  • 03 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Physiological Effects of Nitric Oxide on Cartilage
Nitric oxide (NO) is a small gaseous molecule that is widely distributed in the human body, and its synthesis is dependent on NO synthase (NOS). NO plays an important role in various physiological processes such as the regulation of blood volume and nerve conduction. 
  • 744
  • 27 Feb 2023
Topic Review
General Reactivity of Heme Proteins with Nitric Oxide
Heme proteins (or hemeproteins or hemoproteins) are a structurally and functionally diverse group of metalloproteins exhibiting the heme moiety—an iron-coordinated porphyrin ring—as the prosthetic group. Nitric oxide (NO) is biosynthesized endogenously by heme proteins named NO synthases (NOSs), which oxidize the guanidino group of L-arginine into L-citrulline and NO in the presence of oxygen (O2) and reduced nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). 
  • 918
  • 23 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Modulation of NOS Isoforms by Dietary Polyphenols
Nitric oxide (NO) plays several key roles in the functionality of an organism, and it is usually released in numerous organs and tissues. There are mainly three isoforms of the enzyme that produce NO starting from the metabolism of arginine, namely endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). The expression and activity of these isoforms depends on the activation/deactivation of different signaling pathways at an intracellular level following different physiological and pathological stimuli. Compounds of natural origin such as polyphenols, which are obtainable through diet, have been widely studied in in vivo and in vitro investigations for their ability to induce or inhibit NO release, depending on the tissue. 
  • 916
  • 28 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Nitric Oxide in Different Cancer Types
Nitric oxide (NO) is a short-lived, ubiquitous signaling molecule that affects numerous critical functions in the body. There are markedly conflicting findings in the literature regarding the bimodal effects of NO in carcinogenesis and tumor progression, which has important consequences for treatment. 
  • 879
  • 16 Jan 2023
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