The haem oxygenase (HO) enzyme system was first identified in 1968 by Tenhunen and colleagues [1]. Inducible (HO-1) and constitutive (HO-2) isoforms were characterised in 1974 [2] and 1986 [3] respectively. Subsequently, a third isoform, HO-3, has been demonstrated in rats, although the significance of this finding remains a matter for debate [4]. HO-1 and -2 form part of an enzymatic pathway for haem catabolism and are principally involved in the conversion of haem to biliverdin. Equimolar amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) and ferrous iron are also produced as by-products of this reaction (Fig. 1).
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