Degenerative Ailments Research Articles

Therapeutic potential and agricultural benefits of curcumin: a comprehensive review of health and sustainability applications

AbstractTurmeric (Curcuma longa L.), the plant from which curcumin is derived, is renowned for its wide range of therapeutic and agricultural benefits. Curcumin, the key bioactive compound, is highly valued for its potent anti-provocative, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which contribute to its effectiveness in treating various human diseases and improving plant resilience to environmental stresses. The therapeutics potential of curcumin is notable owing its abilities to combat microbes act as an oxidant and reduce inflammation. Its effectiveness in treating a range of human disease such as tumor, cardiac problems, and brain degenerative ailments stems from its ability to modulate various cellular process and signaling pathways. Despite its low bioavailability, innovations in delivery system such as nanoparticles and liposomal formulations, have enhanced its therapeutic efficacy by improving solubility and systemic absorption. In agriculture, curcumin's antimicrobial properties provide a natural alternative to chemical pesticides, offering protection against pathogens and enhancing plant resilience to specific environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, and oxidative stress. Nanotechnology applications have furthered these benefits by facilitating the efficient uptake and distribution of curcumin within plant tissues, promoting growth and stress tolerance. This review also highlights curcumin's nutritional benefits, including its impact on gut health and metabolic syndrome. Synergistic interactions with dietary nutrients can amplify its health benefits, making it a valuable dietary supplement. However, ongoing research is needed to fully understand curcumin's mechanisms of action and long-term safety. Overall, curcumin holds promise as a versatile agent in both medical and agricultural fields, supporting sustainable practices and advancing health outcomes. Future research should focus on optimizing curcumin formulations and translating preclinical findings into clinical successes. Graphical abstract

Protein folding dependence on selenoprotein M contributes to steady cartilage extracellular matrix repressing ferroptosis via PERK/ATF4/CHAC1 axis

ObjectiveInitiation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is pivotal to the advancement of osteoarthritis (OA). We aimed to explore the function of ER-resident selenoprotein M (SELM) in cartilage-forming chondrocytes, investigating how SELM participates in cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism and ER stress modulation. MethodsArticular cartilage samples with knee OA undergoing total knee arthroplasty were categorized into OA-smooth and OA-damaged groups, with primary chondrocytes extracted from smooth areas. Destabilization of the medial meniscus was induced in male C57BL6/J mice, with sham operations on the left knee as controls. After 8 weeks, knee joint tissues were collected for analysis. Histology and immunohistochemistry examined cartilage damage. Molecular biology techniques investigated how SELM affects ECM metabolism and ER stress regulation. RNA sequencing revealed the pathway changes after SELM intervention. AlphaFold demonstrated how SELM interacts with other molecules. Cultured cartilage explants helped determine the effects of SELM supplementation. ResultsSELM expression was reduced in the damaged cartilage. Increasing SELM levels positively impacted ECM equilibrium. Decreasing SELM expression activated genes linked to degenerative ailments and impaired the cellular response to misfolded proteins, initiating the PERK/P-EIF2A/ATF4 pathway and exacerbating GSH/GSSG imbalance via the ATF4/CHAC1 axis. SELM likely participated in protein folding and modification by leveraging its thioredoxin domains. In vitro SELM supplementation mitigated IL-1β effects on damaged cartilage explants and suppressed beneficial chondrocyte phenotypes. ConclusionsOur results confirm the involvement of SELM in ER stress-induced cartilage damage as well as protein folding, pointing to new directions in molecular therapy for degenerative diseases.

EMG Physical Action Detection using Recurrence Plot Approach

Electromyography (EMG) is used to identify neuromuscular illnesses, motor issues, nerve damage, and degenerative ailments. EMG signals are difficult to accurately classify because of their complexity, nonlinearity, and time-variable nature; therefore, proper feature extraction and classification algorithms must be used. The proposed study uses the recurrence plot (RP) approach combined with deep learning (DL) techniques for the purpose of normal and aggressive EMG physical action (PA) classification. The transfer learning (TL) approach Inception-ResNet-v2 is utilized for feature extraction here. The Inception-ResNet-v2 model’s results demonstrate the excellent generalizability of the proposed method. Using only a few of the eight leads in the original EMG data, the model demonstrated the best accuracy (0.9841) and F1 score (0.99). These results show that the 2D RP-based technique has a significant clinical potential for classifying PA while requiring fewer EMG leads.

Current affairs in the use of medical ozone. Biological effects. Mechanisms of action

Introduction. Oxygen-ozone therapy stands as a medically endorsed practice confirmed by numerous international clinical studies. Various authors have illustrated the beneficial clinical outcomes of ozone therapy in terms of its capacity to regulate redox balance, cellular inflammatory responses, and adaptation to ischemia/reperfusion processes. Ozone therapy extends to encompass a range of viral infections, inflammatory disorders, and degenerative ailments, used as both monotherapy and as an adjunct to unified conventional therapies. Material and methods. Narrative literature review study. Bibliographic search was conducted using the PubMed, Hinari, and SpringerLink databases, as well as the National Center of Biotechnology Information and Medline. Articles published between 1990 and 2022 were selected using various combinations of keywords, including “ozone”, “ozone therapy”, “mechanisms of ozone action”, “biological effects of ozone”, “antioxidant effect”, “anti-inflammatory effect” and “immunomodulatory effect.” Information regarding ozone’s mechanisms of action was identified and processed. Following the database information processing and search criteria, a total of 475 full-text articles were found. The final bibliography consists of 52 relevant sources that were deemed representative of the materials published on the topic of this synthesis article. Results. The effects of ozone on oxygen metabolism are explained by changes in the rheological properties of blood, including inhibition of erythrocyte aggregation and stimulation of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in erythrocytes, favoring the transport and delivery of oxygen to tissues while facilitating the substantial elimination of nitric oxide and increasing blood flow. Intracellular triatomic oxygen enhances the oxidative carboxylation of pyruvate, stimulating ATP production, which also contributes to reducing peripheral vascular resistance. Conclusions. Ozone generates a moderate oxidative stress. Yet, it can set off several beneficial biochemical mechanisms that reactivate both the intra- and extracellular antioxidant systems and reverse chronic oxidative stress in various inflammatory and degenerative processes. Ozone induces a mild activation of the immune system by triggering neutrophil activation and stimulating the synthesis of certain cytokines (IL-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ), thereby initiating a complete cascade of immune responses. Ozone therapy yields the following biological reactions: optimization of blood circulation and oxygen delivery to ischemic tissue, regulation of cellular antioxidant enzymes, initiation of a slight immune system activation, and enhancing the release of growth factors.

An insight into the immunomodulatory potential of wood oil of Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. with an emphasis into related phytomedicine, biomarkers, pharmacology, and toxicity

Critically endangered Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. is known for highly expensive agarwood with unique aroma. Agarwood has been used as a phytomedicine in chronic degenerative neurological disorders, paralysis, rheumatism, asthma, and others. Its production is dependent naturally or artificially on interaction of endophytic fungi, and by nailing, drilling, and microbial inoculation respectively. The majorly produced biomarkers of terpenes, fatty acids, alkanes, chromones, and flavonoids exhibited several biological activities in congruence to their ethnomedicinal claims. During the pandemic, several in-silico , studies showed the potential of a few sesquiterpene hydrocarbons against covid-19. The review aimed to deliver a comprehensive outline of the immunomodulatory potential of agarwood oil with allied traditional medicinal use, biomarkers, pharmacological evaluation, toxicity, and mechanistic action . The review eventually showed the agarwood oil, extracts, and major biomarkers viz., aromadendrene II, valencene, phytol, octacosane, caryophyllene oxide, β-caryophyllene, hinesol, agarospirol, with immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and allied neural, antidiabetic, antimicrobial activity, toxicity, along with molecular target binding potential against 3CLpro, RDRP, Mpro, PLpro, Spike protein S1 of SARS-CoV2 through in-vitro, in-vivo, in silico studies and limited human clinical trials. The expression of HMGR, ASS, ADXPS, ADXPR, FPS , and WRKY genes of sesquiterpenoid biosynthetic pathways were upregulated for signature aroma and immunomodulatory markers viz., δ-guaiene, dodecane, tetracosane, agarospirol, farnesol, and geranylgeraniol acetate as a defensive response. The review would ignite future research on potential immunomodulatory markers viz., caryophyllene oxide, octacosane, heneicosane, agarospirol, n-hexadecanoic acid, α-eudesmol, α-santalol and inoculum guided in-vitro agarwood production restoring the prized aroma, therapeutic efficacy, and wild population. Phytomedicinal uasge, biomarkers, immunomodulatory and related biological activities of Aquilaria malaccensis . • Critically endangered Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. is globally known for unique aroma. • High value agarwood oil is traditionally used as a phytomedicine in several chronic degenerative ailments. • Biomarkers exhibited pharmacological evaluation and in-silico immunomodulatory potential against SARS-CoV2. • Several genes WRKY, PAL, GLU were expressed during formation of agarwood as response to fungal infection, mechanical damage, and stress. • Futuristic scope on gene expression and marker-driven agarwood production with immunomodulatory potential.

Diagnosis of Knee Joint Osteoarthritis by Bioelectrical Impedance Plethysmography

AbstractDiagnosis of knee joint osteoarthritis (KJO) at early stages can prolong the progression of disabling degenerative ailments. Mostly, diagnosis of KJO is based on patient complaints about difficulty with locomotion and is clinically diagnosed based on gait and features. Classical radiographic and MRI images further validated the presence of KJO. Due to the economic and limited accessibility of the above services in India and neighboring countries, a large number of patients with KJO continue to suffer without a diagnosis. There is a need to develop a cost-effective, quick, simple, non-invasive, and reliable diagnostic technique for the onset of KJO. The present study aims to monitor the conductivity changes and impedance fluctuations using an electrical impedance plethysmograph. Impedance fluctuations recorded in normal and osteoarthritis patients showed marked differences. The analysis of these records can identify early damage to the joint.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Loaded Liposomes for Topical Treatment of Inflammatory and Degenerative Conditions.

Topical administration of drugs presents some advantages over other routes; the drug can be administered in the anatomical region to be treated, limiting the systemic distribution and side effects. However, the structure of the skin makes it a highly effective barrier to drug permeation. Amongst the strategies to overcome this obstacle, liposomes are interesting vehicles for delivering the drugs into the skin, the synovial cavity or other regions affected by inflammatory or degenerative conditions. Liposomes are lipid carriers of nanometric size formed by phospholipid bilayers. They have the advantages of preparation feasibility and biological compatibility associated with the possibility of carrying either lipophylic and/or hydrophylic compounds, and have been extensively used in various drug delivery systems, for drug targeting, controlled release and permeation enhancement of drugs. Conventional liposomes are not very stable and not suitable for dermal administration after topical application, since they accumulate on the skin surface due to the rigidity of the lipid layers and suffer dehydration, culminating in their fragmentation. Other formulations have emerged in the meantime, such as transfersomes, niosomes or ethosomes. The present work consists of a review on the published scientific papers regarding the development of liposomal formulations containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the purpose of relieving the symptomatology of inflammatory and degenerative ailments. The exposition summarizes data relating to liposome type, composition, preparation method, liposome characterization, topical vehicle used, in vitro permeation studies performed, in vivo anti-inflammatory assays carried out and results obtained in the different studies published in the last five years.

Evaluation of the Effect of Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Silver Oxide

Selenium is an essential micronutrient required for healthy metabolism, as well as prevention, and treatment of selenium deficiency diseases. The experiment aimed to evaluate the influence of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the physicochemical and thermal properties of selenium using modern analytical techniques. The selenium sample was divided into two parts, one part of the test sample was called the control sample, while the second part of the test sample received the Biofield Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Gopal Nayak, and was called the treated sample. The particle size values were significantly decreased by 37.69% (d10), 14.36% (d50), 4.31% (d90), and 11.58% [D(4,3)], hence, the specific surface area was significantly increased by 33.64% in the treated sample compared to the control sample. The PXRD peak intensities and crystallite sizes were significantly altered ranging from 5.23% to 100% and 75% to 111.7%, respectively; whereas 7.81% significantly decreased the average crystallite size in the treated sample than the control sample. The latent heat of fusion of the treated sample was significantly increased by 12.37% compared with the control sample. The results suggested that the Trivedi Effect® might generate a new polymorphic form of selenium which would offer better solubility, bioavailability and be thermally more stable compared with the control sample. The Biofield Treated selenium would be more useful to design novel nutraceutical/pharmaceutical formulations and might offer an enhanced therapeutic response against cardiovascular disease, cancer, neuromuscular disorders, diabetes, stress, aging, male infertility, viral diseases, degenerative ailments, etc.

Effect of Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Selenium

Selenium is an essential micronutrient which is useful for various biological functions in the body, as well as prevention and treatment of selenium deficiency-related diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and thermal properties of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatedselenium using the modern analytical technique. The test sample was divided into two parts viz. control and treated sample. The control sample did not receive Biofield Energy Treatment; whereas the treated sample received the Biofield Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Alice Branton. The PXRD peak intensities and crystallite sizes were significantly altered ranging from -21.59 to 412.20% and -6.90% to 40.68% respectively; however, the average crystallite size was significantly increased by 5.44% in the treated sample compared with the control sample. The particle size values were altered by -4.54%(d10), 0.92%(d50), 1.18%( d90), and 0.66%{D(4,3)}, respectively, thus the specific surface area was increased by 2.48% in the treated sample compared to the control sample. The melting point and latent heat of fusion of the treated selenium were increased by 0.27% and 5.94%, respectively compared with the control sample. The residue amount was increased by 3.83% in the treated selenium compared with the control sample. The maximum thermal degradation temperature of the treated sample was significantly increased by 14.94% compared with the control sample. The Biofield Energy Treatment might have generated a new polymorphic form of selenium which would be more efficacious against diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, viral diseases, male infertility, stress, aging, muscle disorders, neurological disorders, degenerative ailments, etc.

Evaluation of the Effect of Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Selenium

Abstract Selenium is an essential micronutrient required for healthy metabolism, as well as prevention, and treatment of selenium deficiency diseases. The experiment aimed to evaluate the influence of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the physicochemical and thermal properties of selenium using modern analytical techniques. The selenium sample was divided into two parts, one part of the test sample was called the control sample, while the second part of the test sample received the Biofield Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Gopal Nayak, and was called the treated sample. The particle size values were significantly decreased by 37.69% (d10), 14.36% (d50), 4.31% (d90), and 11.58% D(43), hence, the specific surface area was significantly increased by 33.64% in the treated sample compared to the control sample. The PXRD peak intensities and crystallite sizes were significantly altered ranging from 5.23% to 100% and 75% to 111.7%, respectively; whereas 7.81% significantly decreased the average crystallite size in the treated sample than the control sample. The latent heat of fusion of the treated sample was significantly increased by 12.37% compared with the control sample.The results suggested that the Trivedi Effect® might generate a new polymorphic form of selenium which would offer better solubility, bioavailability and be thermally more stable compared with the control sample. The Biofield Treated selenium would be more useful to design novel nutraceutical/pharmaceutical formulations and might offer an enhanced therapeutic response against cardiovascular disease, cancer, neuromuscular disorders, diabetes, stress, aging, male infertility, viral diseases, degenerative ailments, etc.

Evaluation of antioxidant potentials of different solvent-fractions of Dialium indium (African Black velvet tamarind) fruit pulp - in vitro

Plant phytonutrients have been harnessed for their various curative properties both in vitro and in vivo. In this study African black velvet tamarind (ABVT) fruit pulp was evaluated for it antioxidant potentials using chloroform and hexane fractions through different antioxidant parameters. In the results; total phenolic contents quantified in mg GAE/dried sample in chloroform and hexane extracts were; 14.57 ±5.85 and 9.78 ±4.61, total flavonoid contents in chloroform and hexane extracts as; 48.58 ±0.00 and 27.35 ±0.00 while the FRAP (µg AAE.g-1 dried sample) was lower in chloroform (298.10 ±0.00) than hexane extracts (1029.81 ±0.00). More also, ability of varied concentrations of the extracts (with their IC50) to cause inhibition against Fe2+-induced MDA that was determined by TBARS in rat's brain and liver tissue homogenates, Fe2+-chelating ability and other antioxidant assays, showed an appreciable significant (p <0.05) difference. The various antioxidant properties showed by ABVT has indicated that, if the pulp is incorporated in diet, it could serve as an alternative in managing various ROS-induced degenerative ailments as it has been clearly demonstrated in the protection of brain and liver homogenates from Fe2+-induced oxidative stress.

How Functional Is Moringa oleifera? A Review of Its Nutritive, Medicinal, and Socioeconomic Potential.

Moringa oleifera is an important tropical food plant that seems to have great nutritional, therapeutic, industrial, agricultural, and socioeconomic value. Dietary consumption of its parts and preparations is encouraged by several organizations, health food enthusiasts, and other specialists as a strategy of personal health preservation and self-medication in the treatment of various diseases. Studies extoling its ability to mitigate various degenerative ailments now exist in both the scientific and the popular literature. At face value, and considering the volume of reports available, much of this enthusiasm seems to be indeed justified. However, it is imperative to distinguish rigorous scientific evidence from anecdote. To achieve this, relevant experimental and review articles were sought and read critically to identify recent patterns and trends on this subject matter. Studies on the medicinal and functional properties of M. oleifera are available from various parts of the world, especially developing regions. Attempts have been made to parse the contemporary scientific data available supporting the claims regarding the phytochemical, nutritive, medicinal, environmental, agricultural, and socioeconomic capabilities of this plant. Studies reviewed provide compelling, albeit preliminary experimental evidence of therapeutic potential of the plant. It is important that M. oleifera products and preparations be properly chemically characterized and standardized before being administered.

Defining a genotoxic profile with mouse embryonic stem cells

Many genotoxins are found in the environment from synthetic to natural, yet very few have been studied in depth. This means we fail to understand many molecules that damage DNA, we do not understand the type of damage they cause and the repair pathways required to correct their lesions. It is surprising so little is known about the vast majority of genotoxins since they have potential to cause disease from developmental defects to cancer to degenerative ailments. By contrast, some of these molecules have commercial and medical potential and some can be weaponized. Therefore, we need a systematic method to efficiently generate a genotoxic profile for these agents. A genotoxic profile would include the type of damage the genotoxin causes, the pathways used to repair the damage and the resultant mutations if repair fails. Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells are well suited for identifying pathways and mutations. Mouse ES cells are genetically tractable and many DNA repair mutant cells are available. ES cells have a high mitotic index and form colonies so experiments can be completed quickly and easily. Furthermore, ES cells have robust DNA repair pathways to minimize genetic mutations at a particularly vulnerable time in life, early development when a mutation in a single cell could ultimately contribute to a large fraction of the individual. After an initial screen, other types of cells and mouse models can be used to complement the analysis. This review discusses the merging field of genotoxic screens in mouse ES cells that can be used to discover and study potential genotoxic activity for chemicals commonly found in our environment.

RIP Kinases, necroptosis and redundancy in neuronal cell death

AbstractPurpose Neuronal cell death is the major cause of vision loss in many eye diseases. The exact mechanism remains unknown. Apoptosis has been thought to be the major form of regulated cell death and the main modality of neuronal cell death in degenerative ailments. However, neuroprotective strategies based on apoptosis have failed to materialize. We wanted to investigate the presence of alternative cell death modalities in various models of degenerative eye diseases.Methods Neuronal cell death was studied in a variety of animal models, including retinal detachment, RD10 juvenile degeneration, Cx3Cr1/CCL2/rd8 triple mutant, optic nerve crush, and chemical toxicity models (NMDA, PolyI:C, Na‐Iodate, Lipid peroxide, and chloroquine). Analysis of cell death was performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TUNEL staining and standard molecular techniques.Results Caspase dependent apoptosis was the major cell death modality in most models of cell degeneration. However, RIP regulated necrosis accounted for a significant portion of cell death morphology. Under conditions of selective caspase inhibition, RIP regulated necrosis became the predominant cell death modality. Simultaneous caspase and RIPK inhibition lead to significant neuroprotection. Autophagy accounted for small portion of cell death in the models that it was examined.Conclusion RIP Kinase regulated necrosis (necroptosis) is a significant redundant cell death pathway in many animal models of ocular degenerative diseases. It becomes the predominant form of cell death under conditions of caspase inhibition. Combination treatments may be needed for successful neuroprotection. Commercial interest

Aging and Mitochondrial DNA

According to the mitochondrial theory of aging, accrual of mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) plays the paramount function in the cellular pathology of aging and in development of age-related degenerative ailments. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are byproducts of oxidative phosphorylation (OX-PHOS) in aerobic (mitochondrial) respiration, cause oxidative stress-induced damage to mtDNA. This damaged DNA, whose normal role is to encode proteins many of which are players in the electron transport chain (ETC), now codes for defective proteins. Such faulty proteins lead to a considerable impairment in the efficacy of ETC, thereby generating more ROS, which cause further damage to mtDNA in turn, leading to further defects in proteins, aggravated ETC dysfunction, and even more ROS. Hence, a ‘vicious cycle’ propagates that ultimately directs tissue cells towards structural and functional decline, or in other words, degeneration and aging. However, in spite of a wide acceptance of this theory, there have simultaneously been a considerable number of criticisms against it. This review is aimed at discussing the paradigm of aging and degenerative diseases in light of the mitochondrial paraphernalia, with reference to the evidences in support as well as in antagonism to the mitochondrial theory of aging.Keywords: Aging; Degenerative diseases; mtDNA mutations; ROS; Cell death.© 2011 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi:10.3329/jsr.v3i1.5078 J. Sci. Res. 3 (1), 176-186 (2011)

Urbanization and human health.

Urbanization involves a physical change in which increasing proportions of populations live in urban settings, however defined. It also implies considerable changes in the ways in which these people live, how they earn their livelihoods, the food which they eat, and the wide range of environmental factors to which they are exposed. There is another underlying assumption that, increasingly, urban populations will be more healthy than their rural counterparts and that higher levels of urbanization will equate with better health status. This paper discusses some of the assumptions underlying this contention. It takes issue with certain of them, particularly the assumption that urbanization affects the health of all residents equally. It is manifestly evident that in many cities, particularly in the developing world, the poor are exposed to greater risks and have much lower health status than their richer neighbours. In addition, whilst urban residents may theoretically have a better access to health care and services than do residents in many rural areas, and whilst many indicators of health do appear better in more highly urbanized societies than ones less so, there are caveats. The paper introduces the concept of epidemiological transition, which suggests that, whilst life expectancy might be higher in many urbanized countries and in certain cities, the inhabitants are often merely suffering from different forms of ill-health, often chronic or degenerative, rather than infective. In certain cities in middle-income countries, residents, particularly the poor, are exposed to a double risk of both infection and chronic degenerative ailments. The paper concludes with a consideration of more general recent statements from the World Health Organization among others, on the impact of urbanization on health. The 'Healthy Cities' project is also discussed. WHO identifies a range of general determinants of urban health: physical, social, cultural and environmental. Many represent the by-products of modernization and especially industrialization. It is emphasized that urbanization, and the concentration of human beings into new areas in particular, can bring exposure to new risk factors for large numbers of people. The growth of infectious and parasitic disease in some urban settings must therefore be recognized, as must the emergence of chronic diseases, with the concomitant need for investment in new types of health and social care. However, a number of constraints militate against the achievement of improved urban health, especially in developing countries.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Chemical probe for nitric acid developed

A reagent that traps nitric oxide for monitoring, quantitative determination, and imaging by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry has been devised by chemists at the Universities of Dusseldorf and Essen, Germany, and the National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa [ Angew. Chem. , 104 , 915 (1992)]. With further development, this achievement seems likely to have an impact on both environmental chemistry and medical research. In addition to its environmental role as an air pollutant, nitric oxide functions in living systems to transmit nerve signals, prevent blood clots, release insulin, kill bacteria, and relax blood vessels to control blood pressure. Just last month, researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine reported on work establishing nitric oxide as a physiologic mediator of penile erection [ Science , 257 ,401 (1992)]. However, derangements of nitric oxide biosynthesis may cause nerve death after injury or in such degenerative ailments as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, or Parkin...