Heme Oxygenase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in breaking down heme, a component of hemoglobin found in red blood cells. This process converts heme into biliverdin, carbon monoxide, and free iron. The activity of heme oxygenase is essential for maintaining iron homeostasis and preventing oxidative stress in cells. There are two main isoforms of heme oxygenase: HO-1 and HO-2. HO-1 is inducible and responds to stress, while HO-2 is constitutive and maintains normal physiological functions. The products of heme degradation, particularly biliverdin and carbon monoxide, have important roles in cellular signaling and protecting against inflammation.