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Nitric oxide levels in Behçet's disease
1Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey. banu@med.gazi.edu.tr
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
|February 27, 2003
Summary
Behçet
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder.
- Nitric oxide (NO) overproduction can cause tissue damage in inflammatory conditions.
- Impaired antioxidant mechanisms and superoxide radical production are noted in BD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in Behçet's disease (BD).
- To assess NO generation as a potential factor in BD pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Serum nitrate and nitrite levels were measured as indicators of NO generation.
- An enzymatic method using nitrate reductase was employed.
- Levels were compared between active BD patients and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Serum nitrate + nitrite levels were significantly higher in active BD patients compared to controls (P < 0.01).
- This suggests increased NO production during active disease periods.
Conclusions:
- Increased nitric oxide (NO) production is implicated in Behçet's disease.
- Elevated NO may contribute to vasculitic events during active disease phases.