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PMID: 23718886 Published · epublish English Journal Article Review

Nitric oxide and cancer: a review.

World journal of surgical oncology ·Vol. 11 ·2013-05-30 ·Pages 118

Choudhari SK, Chaudhary M, Bagde S, Gadbail AR, Joshi V

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO), is a ubiquitous, water soluble, free radical gas, which plays key role in various physiological as well as pathological processes. Over past decades, NO has emerged as a molecule of interest in carcinogenesis and tumor growth progression. However, there is considerable controversy and confusion in understanding its role in cancer biology. It is said to have both tumoricidal as well as tumor promoting effects which depend on its timing, location, and concentration. NO has been suggested to modulate different cancer-related events including angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle, invasion, and metastasis. On the other hand, it is also emerging as a potential anti-oncogenic agent. Strategies for manipulating in vivo production and exogenous delivery of this molecule for therapeutic gain are being investigated. However, further validation and experimental/clinical trials are required for development of novel strategies based on NO for cancer treatment and prevention. This review discusses the range of actions of NO in cancer by performing an online MEDLINE search using relevant search terms and a review of the literature. Various mechanisms by which NO acts in different cancers such as breast, cervical, gastric,colorectal, and head and neck cancers are addressed. It also offers an insight into the dichotomous nature of NO and discusses its novel therapeutic applications for cancer prevention and treatment.

MeSH Terms
Animals Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology Disease Progression Humans Neoplasms/etiology,metabolism,pathology Nitric Oxide/metabolism
Chemicals
Nitric Oxide
Authors & Affiliations
5 authors, click to expand affiliations / ORCID
Choudhari Sheetal Korde
Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Yerala Dental College and Hospital, Institutional Area, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. [email protected]
Chaudhary Minal
Bagde Sachin
Gadbail Amol R
Joshi Vaishali
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Article Info
Journal
World journal of surgical oncology
Abbr.
World J Surg Oncol
ISSN
1477-7819
DOI
10.1186/1477-7819-11-118
Email
[email protected]
Published
2013-05-30
Epub
2013-00-30
Pages
118
Language
English
Region
England
NLM ID
101170544
PMCID
PMC3669621
Subset
IM
External Links
PubMed source DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-11-118 PMC Full Text View journal details
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