Open AccessRole of Nitric Oxide in Neurodegeneration: Function, Regulation, and Inhibition
Author(s) -
Devesh Tewari,
Archa. Sah,
Sweta Bawari,
Seyed Fazel Nabavi,
Ahmad Reza Dehpour,
Samira Shirooie,
Nady Braidy,
Bernd L. Fiebich,
Rosa Anna Vacca
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
current neuropharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.955
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1875-6190
pISSN - 1570-159X
DOI - 10.2174/1570159x18666200429001549
Subject(s) - reactive nitrogen species , neurodegeneration , nitric oxide , reactive oxygen species , oxidative stress , microbiology and biotechnology , signal transduction , nitric oxide synthase , biochemistry , chemistry , inflammation , biology , medicine , immunology , disease , pathology , organic chemistry
Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), collectively known as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), are the products of normal cellular metabolism and interact with several vital biomolecules including nucleic acid, proteins, and membrane lipids and alter their function in an irreversible manner which can lead to cell death. There is an imperative role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of cognitive impairments and the development and progression of neural injury. Elevated production of higher amounts of nitric oxide (NO) takes place in numerous pathological conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and ischemia, which occur concurrently with elevated nitrosative/oxidative stress. The enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is responsible for the generation of NO in different cells by conversion of Larginine (Arg) to L-citrulline. Therefore, the NO signaling pathway represents a viable therapeutic target. Naturally occurring polyphenols targeting the NO signaling pathway can be of major importance in the field of neurodegeneration and related complications. Here, we comprehensively review the importance of NO and its production in the human body and afterwards highlight the importance of various natural products along with their mechanisms against various neurodegenerative diseases involving their effect on NO production.