Recent Advancement in Nitric Oxide Research in India

Abstract

Discovery of nitric oxide (NO), as endothelial derived relaxing factor that has been awarded with Nobel Prize, highlights its importance as master signalling molecule in diverse systems. Recent reserach has unfolded several unknown facets of this intriguing biomolecule in cardiovascular system, immunomodulation neurotransmission and plant physiology. NO produced by nitric oxide synthases (NOSs), is a short lived radical that reacts with superoxide radicals to generate reactive nitrogen species and potent oxidant, peroxynitrite implying damage in various pathological conditions. This adds another level of complexity in the understanding of pathological conditions associated with NO paucity or due to increased reactive oxygen nitrogen species (RONS). Researchers from India have been instrumental to unfold various important and novel functions of this molecule and associated signalling by using multipronged approaches in different systems. Association of NO signaling with increased burden of life style diseases in recent years provide sufficent rationale to investigate NO in diverse pathophysiological conditions in Indian perspective. Here we review recent and important contributions of Indian science during last five years in understanding of NO signaling fundamentals in human, animals and also plants, its association with diverse pathological conditions and therapeutic targeting with possible ameliorative strategies.