Nitric Oxide (NO) as a small diffusible molecule is an elusive, potent and crucial player in numerous physiologic processes. It is best known for its vasodilation and blood pressure lowering effect. In this lecture Dr. Bump will provide an overview of the multifaceted roles of NO, its clinical significance, its synthesis and its regulation. He will describe both its exogenous (dietary) sources from nitrates as well as its endogenous synthesis through the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) family of enzymes. He will further describe NO’s relation with neurologic disorders, the inflammatory cascade and its role in oxidation process. He will explain NO’s role in gastrointestinal disorders and well as the immune system, exercise performance, its benefit for sexual health in males, and its insulin and glucose regulating effects.
There will be a discussion on the various testing methods for NO and the various nutrient, dietary and therapeutic strategies for improving NO synthesis.
Learning Objectives:
- Examine both the endogenous NOS pathways of Nitric Oxide as well as the exogenous oral dietary route.
- Investigate the influences that NO has on numerous systems including the gastrointestinal, immune, cardiovascular, glucose and insulin regulation and erectile dysfunction in males.
- Review both testing methodology and nutrient and dietary sources for enhancing NO production.
