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Updated: May 6, 2026

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
Nitric oxide in sepsis: pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic implications
Jun Chen1, Zhenghang Li1, Zhuo Li1
1Department of Emergency/Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 72 GuangZhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210008, China.
Sepsis, a life-threatening condition, involves organ dysfunction due to infection. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a complex role in sepsis, impacting cardiovascular and renal systems, and requires further study for therapeutic targeting.
Area of Science:
- Critical care medicine
- Molecular biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule with critical roles in both normal physiology and disease.
- Altered NO production is implicated in sepsis pathophysiology, affecting hemodynamics and organ function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the temporal and mechanistic roles of nitric oxide (NO) in sepsis.
- To evaluate the potential of NO as a biomarker in sepsis.
- To identify NO-directed interventions for improved sepsis management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nitric oxide and sepsis.
- Analysis of NO's involvement in signaling pathways and protein modulation.
- Examination of NO's effects on cardiovascular and renal systems in sepsis.
Main Results:
- Nitric oxide (NO) has context-dependent roles in sepsis, influencing circulatory shock and vascular hyporeactivity.
- Altered NO production significantly impacts cardiovascular and renal systems during sepsis.
- The precise role of NO across different sepsis stages is not fully understood.
Conclusions:
- Understanding NO dysregulation in sepsis is crucial for developing it as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
- Future strategies should aim to modulate excessive NO activity while preserving its physiological functions.
- Targeting NO interventions requires careful consideration for clinical applicability and translational feasibility.
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