Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells
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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

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Inducible nitric oxide synthase: Good or bad?

Maggie Lind1, Alan Hayes1, Martin Caprnda2

  • 1Centre for Chronic Disease (CCD), College of Health & Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|June 27, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) produces nitric oxide (NO) during inflammation. While often seen as harmful in cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, this review explores its potentially beneficial roles and therapeutic inhibition strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) produce nitric oxide (NO), a key signaling molecule.
  • Inducible NOS (iNOS) expression is upregulated during inflammation.
  • iNOS is implicated in cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the detrimental role of iNOS in disease.
  • To explore the potentially beneficial functions of iNOS.
  • To review molecules associated with iNOS in atherosclerosis and therapeutic inhibition strategies for cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles on iNOS, NO, and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Analysis of existing research on the dual role of iNOS in pathological conditions.
  • Examination of therapeutic approaches targeting iNOS in CVD.

Main Results:

  • iNOS is traditionally viewed as a detrimental enzyme in inflammatory conditions and CVD.
  • Emerging evidence suggests iNOS may possess protective functions in certain contexts.
  • Several therapeutic inhibitors targeting iNOS are under investigation for CVD treatment.

Conclusions:

  • The role of iNOS in cardiovascular diseases is complex and context-dependent.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the beneficial and detrimental effects of iNOS.
  • Targeting iNOS presents a potential therapeutic avenue for managing cardiovascular pathologies, but requires careful consideration of its dual nature.
Keywords:
COX-2Cardiovascular diseasesCyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)Endothelial NOS (eNOS)Inducible NOS (iNOS)Nitric oxide synthase (NOS)Oxidative stress

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