ORCID
- Raúl Bescos: 0000-0002-3939-4743
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a critical signalling molecule in cardiovascular, metabolic, and muscular function. Endogenous NO production occurs via two primary metabolic pathways: 1) the classical nitric oxide synthases (NOS) pathway, and 2) the alternative (nitrate-nitrite-NO) pathway, in which inorganic nitrate (NO 3 -) is sequentially reduced to nitrite (NO 2 -) and other NO intermediates (e.g., S-nitrosothiol). The latter pathway relies heavily on the oral microbiota, which catalyze the two-electron partial reduction of NO 3 - to NO 2 -, which is influenced by oral physiology, microbial composition and salivary flow. While the role of exercise training in enhancing NOS-derived NO is well established, emerging evidence suggests that it may also augment NO bioavailability through the NO 3 --NO 2 --NO pathway. Furthermore, exercise training may influence the composition and functionality of oral microbiota, thereby indirectly modulating NO metabolism and oral health. However, the synergistic effects of exercise and oral microbiota on NO production remain underexplored. This review synthesises current evidence on how physical exercise may modulate both NO pathways and discusses the broader physiological implications.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2026-02-05
Publication Title
Redox Biology
Volume
90
ISSN
2213-2317
Acceptance Date
2026-01-18
Deposit Date
2026-02-20
Keywords
Nitric Oxide/metabolism, Humans, Exercise/physiology, Signal Transduction, Animals, Nitrates/metabolism, Nitric Oxide Synthase/metabolism, Nitrites/metabolism
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Benjamim, J., Bailey, S., da Silva Gonçalves, L., Burleigh, M., Siervo, M., Coggan, A., & Bescos, R. (2026) 'Influence of exercise training on nitric oxide pathways and their physiological effects', Redox Biology, 90. Available at: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104041
