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Anti-inflammatory Effect Of 'Rotten Eggs' Gas

Date:
May 22, 2009
Source:
The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry
Summary:
Researchers have synthesized a new molecule which releases hydrogen sulfide -- the gas that gives rotten eggs their characteristic smell and which has recently been found to be produced naturally in the body -- and discovered that it could in time lead to a range of new, safer and effective anti-inflammatory drugs for human use.
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Researchers from the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter have synthesized a new molecule which releases hydrogen sulfide (H2S) – the gas that gives rotten eggs their characteristic smell and which has recently been found to be produced naturally in the body – and discovered that it could in time lead to a range of new, safer and effective anti-inflammatory drugs for human use.

The new molecule can generate  H2S slowly, which is a major breakthrough. Until now,  H2S could only be delivered in one go via a gas cylinder or through the use of sulfide salts. Both of which are administered as a large bolus to generate instant  H2S and are generally highly toxic, in addition to being foul smelling.

The research team investigated the role of  H2S in endotoxic shock, which causes a fatal loss of blood pressure and extensive tissue inflammation. They discovered that when  H2S is delivered in a slow and sustained manner, a potent anti-inflammatory effect is produced. Cell signalling molecules that drive inflammation, such as TNFα, IL-1, IL-6 and prostaglandins, were reduced while levels of the body's own anti-inflammatory molecules (i.e. IL-10) were increased. Using  H2S donating molecules to control  H2S delivery in the body could pave the way for the development of novel approaches to the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Dr. Matt Whiteman from the Peninsula Medical School, Exeter commented: "We have known for a few years that  H2S levels in tissue and blood are markedly elevated during inflammation. It was assumed that this was a bad thing. However, our research is suggesting that  H2S could be elevated as part of the body's way to limit inflammation."

He added: "Although traditional anti-inflammatory drugs are very potent and safe, they can sometimes damage the stomach lining in some individuals leading to further complications. Generating  H2S in a controlled and sustained manner offers the potential for the development of a new group of anti-inflammatory drugs or lead to the modification of existing drugs so they also release  H2S and hopefully come with less gastrointestinal side-effects."

Dr. Whiteman is highly enthusiastic about the future, adding: "The next step is to secure further funding to expand our work into the clinical setting. We strongly believe that this new and innovative area of research could hold the key to a range of applications for human health. Indeed, we have already shown that the use of  H2S and this new  H2S donor is beneficial in models of high blood pressure. We are only just starting to unravel the role of  H2S has in the body in health and disease."

The study has been published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine. The research was funded by the Northcott Devon Medical Foundation.


Story Source:

Materials provided by The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry. "Anti-inflammatory Effect Of 'Rotten Eggs' Gas." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 22 May 2009. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521084542.htm>.
The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry. (2009, May 22). Anti-inflammatory Effect Of 'Rotten Eggs' Gas. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 29, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521084542.htm
The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry. "Anti-inflammatory Effect Of 'Rotten Eggs' Gas." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521084542.htm (accessed March 29, 2024).

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