Our research
Our research group studies the biological chemistry, physiological and therapeutic roles of nitric oxide (NO) and chemically related compounds.
We focus on exploring the role of the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway for the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and other reactive nitrogen intermediates in mammals.
The inorganic anions nitrate (NO³¯) and nitrite (NO²¯) can recycle in vivo to form NO and other bioactive nitrogen oxides. This represents an important alternative source of NO, especially during hypoxia/ischemia when the classical L-arginine/NO synthase pathway may be dysfunctional. A picture is now emerging suggesting important biological functions of the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway with provocative implications in relation to the diet and cardiovascular homeostasis. In addition, an expanding number of studies suggest a therapeutic potential for nitrate and nitrite in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
In a translational approach our research spans from experimental in vitro studies to human clinical trials.