Nitric Oxide in Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma

Nitric oxide is a free radical molecule that can have both homeostatic and proinflammatory roles in the nasal mucosa, sinuses and airway. We have demonstrated elevated levels of nitric oxide in either nasal fluid, serum and spontaneous, or antigen-stimulated mononuclear cells from patients with allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma. We also showed that various therapeutic agents such as glucocorticoids, theophylline and macrolides can decrease nitric oxide levels in these patients. Thus determination of nasal, serum, mononuclear cell or airway production of nitric oxide may be an important biomarker of inflammation for monitoring newer anti-inflammatory therapy.