THIRD INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON THE ROLE OF NITRITE
IN PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, AND THERAPERUTICS
Karolinska Institute
June 17-18, 2009
Recent studies show that the supposedly inert inorganic anions nitrate (NO3-) and nitrite (NO2-) can recycle in vivo to form nitric oxide (NO) and other bioactive nitrogen oxides. This represents an important alternative source of NO especially during hypoxia when the classical L-arginine/NO synthase pathway may be dysfunctional. A picture is now emerging suggesting important biological functions of the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway with provocative implications in relation to the diet and cardiovascular homeostasis. In addition, an expanding number of studies suggest a therapeutic potential for nitrate and nitrite in diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, systemic and pulmonary hypertension and gastric ulceration.
The latest developments in this exciting new area of research will be discussed at the meeting. Clearly, as the number of studies grows and results raise new possibilities and questions, the ever-present need for exchange of information and expertise among researchers in the field becomes more pressing.
