Abstract

Iron (Fe) is an essential but potentially harmful nutrient. On the other hand, nitric oxide (NO) is an inorganic free-radical gaseous molecule which has been implicated to play an unprecedented variety of roles in biological systems. Although complex relationships between Fe and NO have been demonstrated, there are still controversies as to what are the influences of Fe on NO balance in the development of cardiovascular disorder. Both Fe and NO have dual but unique roles in the prevention and/or development of cardiovascular complications such as atherosclerosis and/or myocardial infarction. Sustained increase in the concentration of both Fe and NO has been associated with generation of free radical species, promoting oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL) which strongly correlated with cell oxidative damage. Moreover, the oxidation of LDL has been implicated as a risk factor in the genesis of cardiovascular disorders. In this light, the mechanistic interactions between Fe and NO in the development of and/or predisposition to cardiovascular disorder are discussed.

Key words: Iron, nitric oxide, oxidative damage, cardiovascular disorder.