An old new gas, carbon monoxide (CO): essentials in human Biology, Pathobiology, Bioclinic and human Pharmaco-therapeutics

Abstract

Knowledge of the endogenous production and physiological functions of carbon monoxide (CO) has greatly advanced. Most of the endogenous CO is produced in reactions catalyzed by three enzymes named HEMO-oxygenases (HO). The tissue typespecific distribution of these HO isoforms (HO-1, HO- 2 y HO-3) is largely linked to the specific biological actions of CO as a signaling molecule in different systems, namely: neural, vascular (vasorelaxant property and cardiac protection), immunological, respiratory, reproductive, gastrointestinal, kidney, and liver. Understanding the molecular, cellular, tisular and systemic mechanisms that regulate the production and mediate the physiological actions of CO may provide an insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of many diseases, and innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies.