Gaseous Mediators and Mitochondrial Function: The Future of Pharmacologically Induced Suspended Animation?

ABSTRACT: The role of nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) as poisonous gases is well-established. However, they are not only endogenously produced but also, at low concentrations, exert beneficial effects, such as anti-inflammation, and cytoprotection. This knowledge initiated the ongoing debate, as to whether these molecules, also referred to as "gaseous mediators" or "gasotransmitters," could serve as novel therapeutic agents. In this context, it is noteworthy, that all gasotransmitters specifically target the mitochondria, and that this interaction may modulate mitochondrial bioenergetics, thereby subsequently affecting metabolic function. This feature is of crucial interest for the possible induction of "suspended animation." Suspended animation, simila

SUBMITTER: Hartmann C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5610695 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature