Research Progress of Nitric Oxide and Nitric Oxide Synthase in Liver Cirrhosis with Portal Hypertension

As a crucial bioactive substance,Nitric Oxide(NO)is considered to play a key role in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension of liver cirrhosis.Nitricoxide synthase(NOS)is a key enzyme for NO.Recent researches show that interventional measures on NOS to regulate the local NO concentration,such as the liver and splanchnic vessels,have achieved curative effects.This review was concerned on the differential expression of NOS and its significance among hyperdynamic circulation,cirrhotic liver,splenomegaly and immunologic derangement,which may shed light on the mechanisms of liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension and be of help to develop new therapies.