Molecular signature of nitric oxide on major cancer hallmarks of colorectal carcinoma

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the one of the most important diseases throughout the world. Several aetiological risk factors, viz. sedentary life style, smoking, alcohol intake, less physical activity, red meat, and microbiota, are associated with the development of CRC. Molecular pathophysiology of CRC implies inflammation, metastasis, apotosis and angiogenesis. Inflammation involves interaction between various immune cells, inflammatory cells, chemokines, cytokines, and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways, which may lead to signalling towards, tumour cell proliferation, growth, and invasion whereas nitric oxide (NO) has been associated with metastasis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Therefore, this review emphasises on the potential molecular mechanisms associated with NO with alteration of cancer biomarkers during development of colorectal carcinogenesis.