3-nitro-L-tyrosine

**3-nitro-L-tyrosine** is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid L-tyrosine, featuring a nitro group at the 3-position of the phenyl ring. It is not a proteinogenic amino acid and does not occur naturally in proteins. Instead, it forms in vivo as a result of tyrosine nitration mediated by reactive nitrogen species such as peroxynitrite and nitrogen dioxide. The presence of this compound serves as an important biomarker for oxidative and nitrative stress in biological systems. Elevated levels are associated with various pathological conditions including inflammation, cell damage, rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, coeliac disease, diabetes complications, cerebral ischemia/edema, and neurodegeneration[1][2][5]. Mechanistically, it acts primarily as an indicator or marker rather than exerting direct pharmacological effects; its formation reflects NO-dependent oxidative damage via peroxynitrite-mediated nitration[2][5]. In research settings it is used to study oxidative stress pathways and to assess cellular or tissue exposure to reactive nitrogen species.

Other names

3-NitrotyrosineL-Tyrosine, 3-nitro-Meta-Nitro-TyrosineTyrosine, 3-nitro-nitrotyrosine3-mononitrotyrosine