Peroxynitrite: a putative cytotoxin.
In recent years it has become apparent that peroxynitrite, which is one of the toxic metabolites originating from the reaction of nitric oxide and superoxide presents a number of pathologic states in which free radicals are thought to be involved. Peroxynitrite is capable of oxidizing a wide variety of biomolecules including plasma, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. Peroxynitrite is involved in the hydroxylation of aromatic compounds and acts as a nitrating agent. It modifies free or protein-associated tyrosine residues to give nitrotyrosines, leaving a marker detectable in vivo. Peroxynitrite has been implicated in the pathophysiology of a variety of diseases including inflammation, atherosclerosis, arthritis, endotoxemia, ischaemia-reperfusion injury, or acute respiratory distress syndrome. Development of specific peroxynitrite scavengers may provide new approaches for the effective treatment of these disease states.
Demiryürek
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AT
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Etiler, Ankara, Turkey.
Cakici
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Kanzik
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D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D019446:Endotoxemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009566:Nitrates / Q000502:physiology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D016877:Oxidants / Q000502:physiology*; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000503:physiopathology; D013481:Superoxides / Q000378:metabolism*
D009566:Nitrates; D016877:Oxidants; D013481:Superoxides; C039642:peroxynitric acid; D009569:Nitric Oxide