Nitric oxide: pros and cons in tumor progression

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO), synthesized by NO synthase, is a mediator involved in different processes varying from neurotransmission, to affecting the vasculature. The role of NO in tumor development is multifaceted and depends on a variety of conditions that exist with in the cell. This review will discuss the pros and cons of NO in tumor progression and provide an overview of their significant part in metabolism, angiogenesis and their role in the activation of macrophages as well as tumor-associated macrophages. The role of natural products in the regulation of NO will also be discussed.

Keywords:

• Natural products
• nitric oxide
• NOS
• tumor-associated macrophages

Acknowledgments

The authours would like to acknowledge Dr. Patrick Gomez and Dr. V.M. Berlin Grace for their valuable support.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.