Nitrate and nitrite in biology, nutrition and therapeutics

Nat Chem Biol. 2009 Dec;5(12):865-9. doi: 10.1038/nchembio.260.

Abstract

Inorganic nitrate and nitrite from endogenous or dietary sources are metabolized in vivo to nitric oxide (NO) and other bioactive nitrogen oxides. The nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway is emerging as an important mediator of blood flow regulation, cell signaling, energetics and tissue responses to hypoxia. The latest advances in our understanding of the biochemistry, physiology and therapeutics of nitrate, nitrite and NO were discussed during a recent 2-day meeting at the Nobel Forum, Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm.

Publication types

  • Congress
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diet
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Nitrates / administration & dosage
  • Nitrates / metabolism*
  • Nitrates / therapeutic use*
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
  • Nitrites / administration & dosage
  • Nitrites / metabolism*
  • Nitrites / therapeutic use*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Nitrates
  • Nitrites
  • Nitric Oxide