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Inorganic nitrite therapy: historical perspective and future directions
Christopher G Kevil1, Gopi K Kolluru, Christopher B Pattillo
1Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA. ckevil@lsuhsc.edu
Free Radical Biology & Medicine
|May 31, 2011
Summary
Nitrite anion, a nitric oxide (NO) metabolite, is crucial for NO bioavailability and acts as an NO prodrug. Sodium nitrite and nitrate therapies show promise for various conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) metabolism involves its oxidation product, nitrite anion.
- Nitrite serves as a key regulator of NO bioavailability.
- Nitrite can act systemically, influencing physiological and pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of nitrite anion in disease models.
- To appraise the clinical use of sodium nitrite as an NO prodrug.
- To explore future directions for nitrite-based therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on NO biology and metabolism.
- Analysis of research on nitrite's role in disease models.
- Evaluation of clinical data on sodium nitrite therapy.
Main Results:
- Nitrite anion is a critical mediator of NO bioavailability.
- Sodium nitrite functions as an effective NO prodrug.
- Dietary nitrate can increase plasma nitrite via oral microbial reduction.
Conclusions:
- Nitrite anion holds significant therapeutic potential.
- Sodium nitrite and nitrate represent promising avenues for NO-based treatments.
- Further research is needed to optimize nitrite-based therapies.
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