Open AccessNitric oxide synthase and heme oxygenase expressions in human liver cirrhosis
Author(s) -
Beatrice J. Goh,
Bee Tee Tan,
Wei Hon,
Kang Hoe Lee,
Hock Eng Khoo
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v12.i4.588
Subject(s) - heme oxygenase , cirrhosis , nitric oxide synthase , enos , portal hypertension , nitric oxide , medicine , endocrinology , hyperdynamic circulation , endothelial nos , biology , heme , biochemistry , enzyme
Portal hypertension is a common complication of liver cirrhosis. Intrahepatic pressure can be elevated in several ways. Abnormal architecture affecting the vasculature, an increase in vasoconstrictors and increased circulation from the splanchnic viscera into the portal system may all contribute. It follows that endogenous vasodilators may be able to alleviate the hypertension. We therefore aimed to investigate the levels of endogenous vasodilators, nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) through the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and heme oxygenase (HO).