Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
Nitric oxide metabolism in asthma pathophysiology
Sudakshina Ghosh1, Serpil C Erzurum
1Department of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. ghoshs@ccf.org
Asthma involves increased nitric oxide (NO) production, leading to harmful reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reduced bronchodilation. This impacts chronic inflammation and airway reactivity in asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by bronchoconstriction and hyper-reactivity.
- Recent research links asthma to elevated nitric oxide (NO) synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites in asthma.
- To discuss their impact on chronic inflammation and airway reactivity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on asthma, nitric oxide (NO), and related metabolites.
- Analysis of data from chemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology studies in animal models and humans.
Main Results:
- Increased NO in asthmatic airways leads to reactive nitrogen species (RNS) formation.
- RNS cause protein oxidation and nitration, impairing biological functions.
- Beneficial S-nitrosothiols (RSNO), mediating bronchodilation, are decreased due to enhanced catabolism.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic products of NO are critical in asthma's chronic inflammation and airway reactivity.
- The balance of NO metabolites significantly influences asthma pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Asthma I: Introduction
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:

