Nitric oxide is an important molecular messenger in the vascular and nervous systems. It has multiple physiological roles, such as vasorelaxation or neuronal signaling, but it also has other complex pathophysiological effects1. The three isoforms of the nitric oxide synthases (eNOS, nNOS and iNOS) synthesize this molecule from L-arginine in the endothelial cells, neurons, macrophages, etc. In biological systems it decomposes to nitrite and nitrate.

The overproduction of nitric oxide may lead to oxidative and nitrosative stress. According to literature, they enhance the development of a variety of diseases, as well as the ageing process.

In addition, regarding nitrosative stress, high levels of iNOS are present in various inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and obesity. Furthermore, there is a relation between higher levels of NO and other cardiovascular diseases.