Endogenous carbon monoxide production in disease

Carbon monoxide (CO) in tissues and cells can originate from inhalation of CO or endogenously. Endogenous production, carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) formation, and exhaled CO levels are influenced by physiological factors, including disease. It is suggested that endogenous CO production can be used as a biomarker for oxidative and inflammatory processes. Also, endogenous CO can contribute to increased body burden of CO, which may both disrupt normal CO signaling cascades and increase the risk of CO toxicity. (C) 2010 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.