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Updated: May 24, 2026

Analytical Techniques for Assaying Nitric Oxide Bioactivity
Published on: June 18, 2012
Nitrite and nitric oxide metabolism in peripheral artery disease
Jason D Allen1, Tony Giordano, Christopher G Kevil
1Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States. j.d.allen@duke.edu
Abstract:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) represents a burgeoning form of cardiovascular disease associated with significant clinical morbidity and increased 5 year cardiovascular disease mortality. It is characterized by impaired blood flow to the lower extremities, claudication pain and severe exercise intolerance. Pathophysiological factors contributing to PAD include atherosclerosis, endothelial cell dysfunction, and defective nitric oxide metabolite physiology and biochemistry that collectively lead to intermittent or chronic tissue ischemia. Recent work from our laboratories is revealing that nitrite/nitrate anion and nitric oxide metabolism plays an important role in modulating functional and pathophysiological responses during this disease. In this review, we discuss experimental and clinical findings demonstrating that nitrite anion acts to ameliorate numerous pathophysiological events associated with PAD and chronic tissue ischemia. We also highlight future directions for this promising line of therapy.
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