18 June 2002
Stress-related diseases -- a potential role for nitric oxide.
Tobias Esch, George B Stefano, Gregory L Fricchione, Herbert BensonMed Sci Monit 2002; 8(6): RA103-118 :: ID: 420796
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in stress physiology and stress-related diseaseprocesses. Like stress, NO seems to be capable of principally exerting either beneficial or deleteriouseffects. The actual distinction depends on a multitude of factors. Moreover, NO counteracts norepinephrine(NE) activity and sympathetic responsivity. Thus, NO and the stress (patho)physiology are closely connectedand molecular mechanisms or pathways may be shared under certain conditions. NO is involved in immunological,cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases/ mental disorders. It represents a 'double-edged sword',since small quantities produced by constitutive enzymes may predominantly mediate physiological effects,whereas the expression of inducible NO synthases may lead to larger quantities of NO, a situation thatmay be associated with cytotoxic and detrimental effects of NO. The key step for normally useful physiologicalmechanisms becoming pathophysiological may be represented by the loss of balance, the loss of controlover the different pathways induced. A failure to terminate or shift originally protective mechanismsmay lead to a vicious cycle of disease-supporting pathophysiological pathways.CONCLUSIONS: Profound connectionsbetween stress and various disease processes exist. Thereby, common pathophysiological pathways in stress-relateddiseases have been described, and they involve stress hormone (cortisol, NE) and, in particular, NO activity.Thus, NO has detrimental capacities. However, NO not only exerts deleterious but also strongly amelioratingeffects. The balance between both properties is crucial. Yet, nitric oxide involvement in stress-relateddiseases represents a common pathway, with various pathophysiological analogies, that may be accessiblefor strategies using stress management and relaxation response techniques.
Keywords: Cardiovascular Diseases, Mental Disorders, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Nitric Oxide, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov, Research Support, U.S. Gov, Stress
Editorial
01 March 2024 : Editorial
Editorial: First Regulatory Approvals for CRISPR-Cas9 Therapeutic Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and Transfusion-Dependent β-ThalassemiaDOI: 10.12659/MSM.944204
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944204
In Press
18 Mar 2024 : Clinical Research
Sexual Dysfunction in Women After Tibial Fracture: A Retrospective Comparative StudyMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.944136
21 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
Potential Value of HSP90α in Prognosis of Triple-Negative Breast CancerMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943049
22 Feb 2024 : Review article
Differentiation of Native Vertebral Osteomyelitis: A Comprehensive Review of Imaging Techniques and Future ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943168
23 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
A Study of 60 Patients with Low Back Pain to Compare Outcomes Following Magnetotherapy, Ultrasound, Laser, ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943732
Most Viewed Current Articles
16 May 2023 : Clinical Research
Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387
17 Jan 2024 : Review article
Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron VariantDOI :10.12659/MSM.942799
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799
14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research
Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase LevelsDOI :10.12659/MSM.937990
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990
01 Jan 2022 : Editorial
Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952