Abstract Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a microsomal enzyme involved in the degradation of
heme, resulting in the generation of biliverdin, iron, and carbon monoxide. Recent attention
has focused on the biologic effects of product (s) of this enzymatic reaction that have
important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective functions. Induction of HO-1
occurs as an adaptive and beneficial response to a wide variety of oxidant stimuli, including
heme, hydrogen peroxide, cytokines, growth factors, heavy metals, nitric oxide, and oxidized …