Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226 007 (U.P.) INDIA.
Nitric Oxide (NO) appears to be one of the most ubiquitous substances in mammals. As one of the most widespread signaling molecule in mammals, NO is a major player in controlling almost every cellular and organ function in the body. Pharmacological compounds that release NO have been useful tools in cardiovascular physiology and as therapeutics. It is synthesized from the semi-essential amino acid, L-arginine and have various physiological roles like control of blood vessel caliber (and hence blood pressure), platelet aggregation and adhesion, pain perception, neurodegeneration, memory and in the defensive response of body by destroying invading pathogens. In the present study an attempt has been made to study the role of NO on the redox status in human beings during cardiovascular disorder. This effect of NO was studied by supplementing L-arginine (3g/day) to healthy subjects and patient erring from AMI. Various oxidant and anti-oxidant parameters like Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Total thiols (T-SH), Ascorbic acid, Xanthine Oxidase (XO), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Protein carbonyl content were analyzed The study lead to a conclusion that L-arginine via NO is effective in maintaining the redox homeostasis in human subjects and helps in controlling the oxidative stress condition during ischemic myocardial syndrome.
