Chemistry of nitrogen dioxide and its biological implicatios

Abstract

Nitrogen dioxide (^•NO₂) is a radical gas that forms part of air pollution and is produced chemically, photochemically and by ionizing radiation in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions as well as by various endogenous pathways in biological systems. This review describes the: (i) sources of ^•NO₂; (ii) kinetics and mechanism of ^•NO₂ reactions; (iii) ^•NO₂ as a key player in cellular oxidative and nitrosative stress leading to pathological conditions, and (iv) use of diverse antioxidants to reduce ^•NO₂ toxic effects.