Regulation of mitochondrial function and energetics by reactive nitrogen oxides

► Nitric oxide regulates mitochondrial respiration by inhibiting cytochrome c oxidase. ► Inorganic nitrate and nitrite can form NO and other bioactive nitrogen oxides in vivo. ► Complexes in the mitochondrial electron transport system can reduce nitrite to NO. ► Dietary nitrate improves mitochondrial efficiency and exercise performance. ► The therapeutic aspects of the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway are currently being investigated.