Title:An Update on the Role of Nitric Oxide in the Neurodegenerative Processes of Parkinson's Disease
Volume: 23
Issue: 24
Author(s): Félix Javier Jiménez-Jiménez, Hortensia Alonso-Navarro, María Trinidad Herrero, Elena García-Martín and José A.G. Agúndez
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase, Parkinson’s disease, neurodegeneration, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity,
inflammation, S-nitrosylation.
Abstract: Background: The pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is
not fully understood. Together with some important physiological functions
in the Central Nervous System (CNS), nitric oxide (NO) can have both, neuroprotective
or neurotoxic actions, depending on its redox state. An important
body of evidence suggests the involvement of NO in many of the processes
leading to neurodegeneration in several neurological disorders including
PD. Objective: The main aim of this review is to update the data regarding
the possible involvement of NO in the pathogenesis of PD. Methods:
We performed a literature review on neuropathological, biochemical and
genetic studies in PD patients and in several experimental models of parkinsonism
and role of NO in these models. Results: Both studies in humans and in experimental
models of parkinsonism give support to the contribution of NO in excitotoxicity, inflammation,
oxidative stress, mitochondrial function impairment, DNA damage, and Snitrosylation
of diverse proteins. The interaction of these mechanisms leads finally to neuronal
death. The fact that selective of specific inhibitors of NO synthase (NOS, the enzyme
responsible of NO synthesis) should prevent neuronal death through their actions of these
pathogenic mechanisms supports the role of NO on PD as well. Conclusion: NO participates
in the pathogenesis of PD by multiple mechanisms described in this review.
