Role of Nitric Oxide in Breast Cancer

Nitric oxide (NO) is a universal, water-soluble, free radical gas, which plays an important role in the physiological along with pathological processes. NO has been shown in the literature as a key player in carcinogenesis as well as tumor development. Still, there is a lot of debate and misunderstanding about its involvement in cancer. It is believed to have both tumoricidal as well as tumor-promoting effects, which are determined by its timing, location, and concentration. NO has been linked to angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle, invasion, and metastasis. On the other hand, it is emerging as a possible anti-oncogenic agent. Strategies for manipulating in vivo production and exogenous delivery of this molecule for therapeutic gain are being investigated. For therapeutic advantage, strategies for controlling in vivo synthesis and exogenous distribution of this molecule are being investigated. Further research in experimental settings and clinical trials is required to enhance innovative NO-based cancer prevention and treatment strategies. The spectrum of NO actions in cancer and the mechanisms by which NO acts in breast cancer are addressed in this article.

Keywords: Nitric oxide, Nitric oxide synthase, Reactive nitrogen species, Tumoricidal.