Researchers from Don State Technical University and their colleagues from Rostov, Bashkir, and South Ural Medical Universities are exploring a novel approach to protect cells in a range of pathological conditions by harnessing hydrogen sulfide. This development was shared with socialbites.ca through the press service of the Priority 2030 program of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The work highlights how a naturally occurring gas in the human body can play a protective role at the cellular level, offering potential new avenues for therapies aimed at reducing injury and disease-related damage.
Among the gasotransmitters that influence cellular health, hydrogen sulfide stands out for its protective actions compared with other gaseous signaling molecules such as nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. In the body, H2S is produced endogenously and can act as an antioxidant, bolster the activity of enzymes in the antioxidant defense system, and help blunt inflammation and oxidative stress. It also modulates neuroinflammation and can impact cell death pathways, which makes it a compelling target for conditions where these processes drive pathology.
The concentration of gasotransmitters like H2S can vary across tissues and individuals, and each molecule can yield different cellular outcomes. Depending on the balance of these signals, the same gas transmitter may exert cytoprotective effects or contribute to cellular damage. Disruptions in the equilibrium of gasotransmitters are increasingly linked to the emergence and progression of serious diseases, underscoring the need to understand how to modulate their levels safely and effectively.
In the context of traumatic brain injury, it is observed that hydrogen sulfide levels often drop in the affected brain regions. The primary enzymes responsible for hydrogen sulfide synthesis in the human body are cystathionine beta synthase and cystathionine gamma lyase. Understanding and modulating the activity of these biocatalysts could lay the groundwork for neuroprotective therapies that preserve brain tissue and function after injury. However, it is important to note that excess H2S can have adverse effects, including heightened oxidative stress, a warning that any therapeutic approach must carefully balance gasotransmitter levels to avoid harm, according to Stanislav Rodkin, senior lecturer in the Department of Bioengineering at DSTU, as reported to socialbites.ca.
Based on their findings, researchers suggest that therapies incorporating controlled gasotransmitter delivery may yield beneficial outcomes across a range of diseases. The overarching idea is to develop drugs or treatment strategies that leverage the body’s own signaling gases to bolster cellular resilience, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery in affected tissues. These insights contribute to a broader push in biomedical research to translate gasotransmitter biology into practical, effective medical interventions with a focus on safety, dosage, and individualized response.