Nitric Oxide and Rosacea

Other researchers are investigating whether abnormal amounts of natural body chemicals may be associated with developing rosacea. For example, nitric oxide — a chemical produced mainly in the linings of blood vessels — may be overproduced in rosacea patients. Nitric oxide not only may promote inflammation, it also causes blood vessels to widen. Abnormal amounts of other natural substances, known as cathelicidins, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) may either cause rosacea or contribute to its development among individuals who are prone to get it. In addition, immune system malfunction may be associated with rosacea. All these theories are under study, but none has been proved, yet.