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Nitric Oxide Homeostasis

Meaning

Nitric oxide homeostasis refers to the dynamic balance between the production, bioavailability, and degradation of the gaseous signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) within the body, particularly within the vascular endothelium. NO is a critical paracrine factor responsible for regulating vascular tone, platelet aggregation, and immune response. Maintaining this homeostasis is essential for cardiovascular health, as insufficient NO bioavailability is a hallmark of endothelial dysfunction and a precursor to atherosclerosis.