Free Radicals and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS)

Free Radicals and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) are a family of antimicrobial and signaling molecules derived from nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2•−) produced via the enzymatic activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) and NADPH oxidase, respectively (Source: NCBI, PMC2820440). These species, including peroxynitrite (ONOO−) and nitrogen dioxide (•NO2), are highly reactive and can cause significant cellular damage through the nitration of proteins and peroxidation of lipids (Source: StatPearls, NBK541089). While they are essential for the immune system's 'oxidative burst' to kill pathogens, chronic elevation is linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis (Source: PubMed, 21486303). Pharmacological intervention typically focuses on scavenging these radicals using antioxidants like Edaravone or inhibiting their production to mitigate tissue injury (Source: PubChem, CID 4021).

Other names

Reactive Nitrogen SpeciesRNSNitrosative stress agentsNitrogen-centered radicalsReactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species

Drugs targeting these species primarily act through direct chemical scavenging, where the drug reacts with and neutralizes the radical, or by inhibiting enzymes like nitric oxide synthase (NOS) to prevent their formation (Source: PubMed, 15128444).