Abstract

DIAZ ARCE, Dariel. Nitric oxide, mutagenesis and cancer. Rev Cubana Invest Bioméd [online]. 2004, vol.23, n.3, pp. 184-189. ISSN 1561-3011.

A review was made on the possible mechanisms generating mutations mediated by the reactive species derived from NO (RNOS) and their connection with carcinogenesis.The RNOS may damage the DNA directly by processes of oxidation, deamination and methylation of bases, and indirectly by inhibiting the activity of the repairing enzimes. The oxidation of bases leads mainly to transversions, whereas deamination leads to transitions. The reactive species N₂O₃ may react with biogen amines generating N-nitrosamines, known as alkylating agent. The inhibition of the enzimes is manifested by the reaction of the RNOS with nucleophylic groups of critical aminoacids for the enzimatic activity. All these mechanisms may favor in one way or another the occurrence of mutations in the DNA involved in the activation of oncogens and/or inhibitons of tumor-suppressing genes, enabling this way the appearance and development of tumors

Keywords : Nitric oxide; cancer; mutagenesis; p53; reactive nitric oxide species; inflammation.

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