Published online Apr 6, 2025. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v13.i10.101647
Revised: November 19, 2024
Accepted: December 2, 2024
Published online: April 6, 2025
Processing time: 84 Days and 9.1 Hours
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous molecule produced by 3 different NO synthase (NOS) isoforms: Neural/brain NOS (nNOS/bNOS, type 1), endothelial NOS (eNOS, type 3) and inducible NOS (type 2). Type 1 and 3 NOS are constitutively expressed. NO can serve different purposes: As a vasoactive molecule, as a neurotransmitter or as an immunomodulator. It plays a key role in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI). Hypoxic episodes simulate the production of oxygen free radicals, leading to mitochondrial and phospholipid damage. Upon reperfusion, increased levels of oxygen trigger oxide synthases; whose products are associated with neuronal damage by promoting lipid peroxidation, nitrosylation and excitotoxicity. Molecular pathways in CIRI can be altered by NOS. Neuroprotective effects are observed with eNOS activity. While nNOS interplay is prone to endothelial inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Therefore, nNOS appears to be detrimental. The interaction between NO and other free radicals develops peroxynitrite; which is a cytotoxic agent. It plays a main role in the likelihood of hemorrhagic events by tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). Peroxynitrite scavengers are currently being studied as potential targets to prevent hemorrhagic transformation in CIRI.
Core Tip: Nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI). Ischemic episodes lead to mitochondrial and phospholipid damage. While reperfusion is associated with neuronal damage by promoting lipid peroxidation, nitrosylation and excitotoxicity. Neural NO synthase (nNOS) interplay is prone to endothelial inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Therefore, nNOS appears to be detrimental. The interaction between NO and other free radicals develops peroxynitrite. And, limiting the negative effects of NO-derived compounds has been implemented as an important strategy to improve neurological outcomes after CIRI.
