Nitric oxide and angiogenesis

Nitric oxide (NO), produced from L-arginine by NO synthases (NOS), is a short-lived molecule required for many physiological functions and contributing to different pathological conditions. In the last decade we have contributed to demonstrate that NO stimulates angiogenesis and mediates the effect of different angiogenic molecules. In human tumors NOS expression and activity correlate with tumor growth and aggressiveness, through angiogenesis stimulation and regulation of angiogenic factor expression. Recently, interrelations among the NOS pathway, prostanoids and tyrosin kinase receptors have been reported in regulating tumor progression and malignancy. In this complex scenario we hypothesize that the NOS/cGMP pathway is central for tumor development and angiogenesis. Drugs affecting the NOS pathway appear promising antitumor strategies by reducing edema, inhibiting angiogenesis and facilitating the delivery of chemotherapeutical agents. On the contrary strategies aimed to induce/promote NO production may be helpful for angiogenesis dependent cardiovascular diseases.