Nitric oxide represses the proliferation of Caco-2 cells by inducing S-G/M cell cycle arrest.

There is conflicting data regarding the ability of nitric oxide (NO) to promote or inhibit colorectal cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, NO reacts rapidly with endogenous superoxide at a diffusion-controlled rate to give peroxynitrite (ONOO), a strong oxidant and nitrating agent. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of exogenous NO and ONOO on the proliferation of the colorectal cancer cell line Caco-2.