Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of
Medical Education and Research, India
Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Nidhi Anil, Department of Pediatrics,
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, India. Tel.: +91 044
172 275 53 06; Fax: +91 172 274 44 01; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Nitrite is a stable oxidative metabolic end product of nitric oxide
(NO). Nitrite was previously believed to be an inert metabolite of NO that
plays a key role in cell physiology and signaling. Until now, research has
focused on the usefulness of nitrites as potent biomarkers for several chronic
disorders. Recent studies have elucidated its role as a storage reservoir of NO
in blood and tissues under hypoxic pathological conditions. Several recent
reports have highlighted the therapeutic potential of nitrites in cardiac
disorders. This paper will focus on the therapeutic potential of nitrites in
chronic lung disorders.