Nitric oxide: A promising biomarker for respiratory disorders

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Anil, Nidhi | Singh, Meenu

Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India

Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Nidhi Anil, Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. Tel.: +91 172 2755306; Fax: +91 172 2744401; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous messenger molecule with multiple roles in cellular physiology and signaling. Recent studies have indicated the role of NO as an inflammatory mediator and as a potential non invasive biomarker. The current review focuses on the role of nitric oxide and its derivatives including nitrites as potential non invasive biomarkers for assessing airway inflammation in respiratory disorders including asthma, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Keywords: Nitric oxide, nitrite, biomarkers, airway inflammation

DOI: 10.3233/JPB-2011-0028

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 325-329, 2011