High- dose nitric oxide gas inhalation for HIV infection

Abstract

Therapeutic effect of high-dose nitric oxide gas inhalation (NO concentration was not less than than 1000 ppm) on two patients with HIV infection was shown. Inhaled NO therapy led to a rapid decrease in viral load to an undetectable level which was persistent even after analytical treatment interruption. It is suggested that HIV infection is controlled by nitrosonium (NO+) cations, the oxidized form of neutral NO molecules that enter the blood. Subsequent conversion of NO+ cations into nitrite anions due to a reaction with hydroxyl ions is inhibited by the binding of NO+ cations and chloride anions leading to the formation of nitrosyl chloride in the blood. Further entry of nitrosyl chloride into cells and tissues ensures NO+ transfer to them. Interaction between nitrosyl chloride and thiols requires the appearance of relevant S-nitrosothiols as NO donors in cells and tissues.