Research progress in cardioprotective effects of nitric oxide

As an essential gaseous signal molecule, nitric oxide (NO) has an important role in cardioprotection after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). To provide insights for further study of NO in cardioprotection, this article reviewed the research progress on NO synthesis, its role in cardiac I/R injury, cardioprotective mechanisms, and its clinical application. The cardioprotective effects of NO in cardiac I/R may produce via the cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP)/cGMP-dependent protein kinase(PKG) signaling pathway and protein S-nitrosylation. The commonly used cardioprotective measures and drugs are dependent on NO to various extents. Key words: Nitric oxide; S-nitrosylation; Myocardial reperfusion injury; Cardioprotection