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Updated: May 4, 2026
Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells
Published on: March 16, 2017
Nitric oxide synthase isoenzyme expression in human oral lichen planus
F Mastrangelo1, A Grilli2, L Tettamanti3
1Department of Oral Medical Science and Biotechnology, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.
Abstract:
The roles of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) enzyme in pathological mechanisms of the oral cavity are still incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the endothelial, neuronal and inducible isoforms of NOS (eNOS, nNOS and iNOS) in oral lichen planus (OLP) development in humans. OLP and healthy oral mucosa biopsies were taken for mRNA and protein analysis of NOS isoenzymes by RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein levels of eNOS and nNOS were present in all samples, with a significant increase only for eNOS in OLP. The normal oral mucosa exhibited only small amounts of iNOS mRNA and protein, while it showed a significant rise in OLP samples. These results were confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. Our findings suggest that NO produced by increased eNOS and iNOS expression may have circulatory and immune functions in the development of OLP.
Insights
Increased expression of endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) nitric oxide synthase enzymes in oral lichen planus (OLP) suggests their role in oral cavity pathology. This finding advances understanding of OLP development.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Molecular biology
- Immunology
Background:
- The precise role of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) enzymes in oral cavity pathologies remains unclear.
- This study investigates the expression of endothelial (eNOS), neuronal (nNOS), and inducible (iNOS) NOS isoforms in human oral lichen planus (OLP).
Discussion:
- Elevated eNOS and iNOS mRNA and protein levels were observed in OLP tissues compared to healthy oral mucosa.
- While eNOS and nNOS were present in all samples, only eNOS showed a significant increase in OLP.
- iNOS expression significantly increased in OLP, unlike in normal oral mucosa.
Key Insights:
- Significant upregulation of eNOS and iNOS expression in oral lichen planus.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed increased eNOS and iNOS protein levels in OLP.
- NO derived from increased eNOS and iNOS may play roles in OLP's circulatory and immune functions.
Outlook:
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms of NO in OLP pathogenesis.
- Investigating therapeutic strategies targeting NOS pathways could offer new treatment avenues for OLP.
- Understanding NOS roles may provide insights into other oral mucosal diseases.
