From the Research
Effect of Nitrous Oxide on Portal Hypertension
- The role of nitric oxide (NO) in portal hypertension has been extensively studied, with evidence suggesting that NO plays a crucial role in the hemodynamic abnormalities that develop in chronic portal hypertension 1.
- Nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilating agent that can affect the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, and its increased release has been proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of vasodilation and vascular hypocontractility associated with portal hypertension 2.
- The use of long-acting nitrates in portal hypertension has been investigated, with some studies suggesting that they can decrease the hepatic venous pressure gradient and improve the pharmacological response 3.
- A nitric oxide-releasing derivative of ursodeoxycholic acid, NCX1000, has been shown to selectively release nitric oxide into the liver circulation, decreasing intrahepatic resistance and providing a novel therapy for the treatment of portal hypertension 4.
- Elevated levels of plasma endotoxin and nitric oxide have been observed in patients with portal hypertension, and a positive correlation has been found between the levels of NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-) and portal venous pressure 5.
Key Findings
- Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in the regulation of intrahepatic and splanchnic vascular resistance in portal hypertension 1, 2.
- The use of nitrates in portal hypertension can have both beneficial and detrimental effects, depending on the stage of liver disease and the extension of portal collaterals 3.
- Selective release of nitric oxide into the liver circulation can decrease intrahepatic resistance and provide a novel therapy for the treatment of portal hypertension 4.
- Elevated levels of plasma endotoxin and nitric oxide are associated with portal hypertension and can contribute to the abnormal elevation of portal venous pressure and the damage to liver function 5.