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NOS:molecular mechanisms, clinical aspects, therapeutic and monitoring approaches

Sergei A Kharitonov1

  • 1Department of Thoracic Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, London SW3 6LY, UK. s.kharitonov@imperial.ac.uk

Current Drug Targets. Inflammation and Allergy
|April 28, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Nitrosative stress contributes to steroid resistance in asthma and COPD. Modulating nitric oxide (NO) synthesis via NO donors or NOS inhibitors may offer clinical benefits for these respiratory diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Nitrosative stress and protein nitration in airway epithelium are implicated in steroid resistance.
  • This phenomenon affects both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of nitric oxide (NO) modulators in managing asthma and COPD.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting NO synthesis for steroid-unresponsive respiratory conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on the involvement of NO synthesis in airway inflammation.
  • Analysis of studies investigating NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors and NO donors.
  • Examination of potential combination therapies with corticosteroids.

Main Results:

  • Nitrosative stress appears to be a key factor in steroid insensitivity in asthma and COPD.
  • Regular administration of NO modulators may hold clinical significance.
  • Combination therapy with NOS inhibitors and corticosteroids shows potential.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting NO synthesis pathways presents a promising therapeutic avenue for asthma and COPD.
  • NO modulators could improve treatment outcomes in patients with steroid resistance.
  • Further research into NO-targeted therapies is warranted for respiratory diseases.

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