EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports

Human cells generate nitric oxide (NO) using molecular oxygen and nitrogen provided by l-arginine through a reaction catalyzed by specific oxido-reductases (nitric oxide synthases) of which three isoforms exist. Numerous pathways are known to be available for l-arginine synthesis nitric oxide is a vital bioactive molecule implicated in the regulation of cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. Its deficiency gives rise to many human pathological states, thus presenting biological basis for the utilization of nitric oxide replacement therapy to supplement nitric oxide for normal biological functions. Likewise, production of excess NO can lead to pathological states such as oxidative stress, lung injury, acute and chronic inflammatory processes, stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases. As an antithrombotic agent, NO exerts important antiadhesive, antiplatelet, antiproliferative, antioxidant and vasodilatory effects. The objective of the review study is to provide comprehensive information on L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway that will be of great assistance to scientists interested in nitric oxide (a physiological intriguing chemical substance) properties.

 Keywords: L-Arginine; Nitric Oxide; Roles and Therapeutic Utilization of Nitric Oxide

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