Title:Nitroxyl (HNO): A Possible Strategy for Fighting Cancer
VOLUME: 16 ISSUE: 22
Author(s):Mai E. Shoman and Omar M. Aly
Affiliation:Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, P.O. Box: 61519, Minia, Egypt.
Keywords:Nitroxyl, HNO, Anti-cancer, Nitric oxide, Angeli’s salt, IPA/NO-aspirin.
Abstract:Nitroxyl (HNO), the one electron reduced form of nitric oxide (NO), shows a very distinct
chemistry and biology from that of NO. Chemical profile is characterized by reactions with thiols and
thiol proteins such as aldehyde dehydrogenase, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, caspases
among others. Biological profile of HNO includes cardioprotective actions especially in cases of heart
failure. This short review focuses on the cytotoxic properties for HNO. Nitroxyl was found to be toxic
to several cancer cell lines including lung and breast cancers. Critical thiols that control cancer cellular
functions might be the target for HNO activity. The anti-tumor actions of HNO donating aspirin is
also summarized.
