carbon monoxide

Biochemically, carbon monoxide (CO) is a small molecule that can interact with various proteins and enzymes in the body, leading to a range of physiological effects. One of the primary mechanisms of CO toxicity is its ability to bind to hemoglobin in red blood cells, forming a stable complex known as carboxyhemoglobin. This reduces the amount of oxygen that can be transported by the blood, leading to hypoxia in the body's tissues. In addition to its effects on hemoglobin, CO can also directly affect cellular signaling pathways and enzymatic activity in the body. For example, it can bind to heme-containing proteins such as cytochrome c oxidase, which plays a critical role in cellular respiration, and inhibit its activity. This can impair the body's ability to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy source for cells. CO can also interact with other enzymes and proteins, such as nitric oxide synthase and soluble guanylate cyclase, leading to changes in the production of signaling molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). These signaling molecules play important roles in regulating various physiological processes, including vascular tone and immune function. Overall, the biochemical effects of CO are complex and can vary depending on the specific proteins and enzymes with which it interacts. However, its ability to impair oxygen transport and disrupt cellular signaling pathways can have a range of harmful effects on human health, particularly when exposure to CO is prolonged or at high concentrations.