Nitric oxide production by arsenite.
Arsenic can either enhance or reduce nitric oxide (NO) production, depending on the type of cell, the species and dose of arsenical tested. The mechanisms of how arsenic increases or decreases NO production remain unclear. Because NO is associated with many pathological conditions, it is conceivable that in those arsenic-target tissues, the NO production may be upregulated by continuous arsenic exposure, and a prolonged over-production of NO may cause inflammation hence a pathological condition. A prolonged interference with the normal physiological level of NO may also play a role in the initiation, promotion, and progression of arsenic-related human cancers. Suppression of NO production has been shown to reduce arsenite-induced oxidative DNA damage, inhibition of pyrimidine dimer excision, and micronuclei. However, a completely reliable story on how NO is involved in arsenic-related human disease is still lacking.
Gurr
Jia-Ran
JR
Hsing Wu College, No. 11-2, Fen-Liao Rd., Lin-Kou, Taipei 244, Taiwan, ROC.
Yih
Ling-Huei
LH
Samikkannu
Thangavel
T
Bau
Da-Tian
DT
Lin
Shu-Yu
SY
Jan
Kun-Yan
KY
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D018053:Arsenites / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004249:DNA Damage; D004260:DNA Repair / Q000187:drug effects; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000502:physiology; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000009:adverse effects
D018053:Arsenites; D005609:Free Radicals; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D009569:Nitric Oxide; C015001:arsenite