A multifaceted molecule, nitric oxide in oral and periodontal diseases.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule with multiple effects on different tissues. NO takes important roles in vasodilatation, bacterial challenge and cytokine stimulation, regulation of mineralized tissue function, neurotransmission, and platelet aggregation, etc. However, under pathological conditions, NO has damaging effects. NO is synthesized by NO synthases (NOS) and inducible isoform of NOS (iNOS) is closely related to the pathophysiological characteristics of inflammatory diseases such as periodontal diseases. The expression of iNOS has been investigated in salivary gland-related diseases, temporomandibular joint disorders and oral cancer as well. The beneficial and damaging effects of NO in diseases related with periodontal, dental and maxillofacial area are discussed in this review. The biological pathways involved with NO and NO inhibitors may be good drug targets to have a role in the future management of patients with diseases in orofacial region.
Uğar-Cankal
Dilek
D
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Gazi University, Biskek caddesi 84.sokak 06510 Emek, Ankara, Turkey. dugar@gazi.edu.tr
Ozmeric
Nurdan
N
D001119:Arginase / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D012463:Saliva / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D001119:Arginase