Abstract

MARTINEZ ALFARO, Beatriz; TRESPALACIO ROMERO, María Angélica  and  CARABALLO GRACIA, Luis. Involvement of type 1 nitric oxide synthase in the pathogenesis of asthma. Rev Cubana Invest Bioméd [online]. 2004, vol.23, n.2, pp. 121-127. ISSN 1561-3011.

A review of the most important aspects of physiology and genetics of type 1 nitric oxide synthase gene as well as its involvement in asthma pathogenesis was made. Asthma is a common and complex disease characterized by obstruction of airways, bronchial hyperreactivity and in many cases atopy. The fundamental cause of this disease is not yet well defined but it is known that genetic and environmental factors have their bearing on it. To clarify the exact origin of this disease, candidate genes, the influence of mite allergens at environmental level and other risk factors for asthma were all analyzed. Among candidate genes, type 1 nitric oxide synthase gene has aroused great interest due to its extensive role in asthma pathogenesis becuase it acts as a neurotransmitter and bronchodilator that provides hyperresponse in airways

Keywords : Nitric oxide synthase; asthma; nitric oxide; isoforms; pathogenesis, neurotransmitter; hyperreactivity; multifactor; splicing; 5´ utr (un-translate region).

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