Release of NO from a nitrosyl ruthenium complex through oxidation of mitochondrial NADH and effects on mitochondria

► Mitochondrial NADH oxidation released NO from a nitrosyl ruthenium complex. ► NO2 formation and OAT mechanism were apparently involved. ► NO released caused protein-thiols oxidation and induced the mitochondrial permeability transition. ► Cytochrome c was released from mitochondria. ► This denotes a potential specific action against tumor cells.