Nitric oxide, a biological double-faced janus--is this good or bad?

Nitric oxide (NO) is a biological messenger molecule produced by one of the essential amino acids L-arginine by the catalytic action of the enzyme NO synthase (NOS). The dual role of NO as a protective or toxic molecule is due to several factors, such as; the isoform of NOS involved, concentration of NO and the type of cells in which it is synthesised, the availability of the substrate L-arginine, generation of guanosine 3,5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) from soluble guanylate cyclase and the overall extra and intracellular environment in which NO is produced. NOS activation as a result of trauma (calcium influx) or infection leads to NO production, which activates its downstream receptor sGC to synthesise cGMP and/or leads to protein nitrosylation. This may lead to one or more systemic effects including altered neurotransmission which can be protective or toxic, vaso/bronchodilatation in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and enhanced immune activity against invading pathogens. In addition to these major functions, NO plays important role in thermoregulation, renal function, gastrointestinal motility, endocrine function, and various functions of the urogenital system ranging from renin secretion to micturation; spermatogenesis to penile erection; and ovulation to implantation and parturition. A schematic summary of the functions of NO and the various isoforms of NOS expressed in body systems is shown in figure 1. In this review, the historical background, biochemistry and biosynthesis of NO and its enzymes together with the mechanism of NO actions in physiology and pathophysiology are discussed.