What does RNS mean in Chemistry?

Reactive nitrogen species

Reactive nitrogen species are a family of antimicrobial molecules derived from nitric oxide and superoxide produced via the enzymatic activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 and NADPH oxidase respectively. NOS2 is expressed primarily in macrophages after induction by cytokines and microbial products, notably interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide. Reactive nitrogen species act together with reactive oxygen species to damage cells, causing nitrosative stress. Therefore, these two species are often collectively referred to as ROS/RNS. Reactive nitrogen species are also continuously produced in plants as by-products of aerobic metabolism or in response to stress.

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