Recent studies have shown that although being highly toxic and foul smelling, hydrogen sulphide may be able to offer potential health benefits in small doses.
Research from the University of Exeter has found that hydrogen sulphide has potential health benefits in a range of issues, from diabetes to stroke, heart attacks and dementia.
Scientists in Exeter have already found that the compound protects mitochondria, which drive energy production in blood vessel cells. Preventing or reversing mitochondrial damage is a key strategy for treatments of a variety of conditions such as stroke, heart failure, diabetes and arthritis, dementia and ageing.
AP39 Could Hold the Key to a Breakthrough
Professor Matt Whiteman from the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “When cells become stressed by disease, they draw in enzymes to generate minute quantities of hydrogen sulphide. This keeps the mitochondria ticking over and allows cells to live.
If this doesn’t happen, the cells die and lose the ability to regulate survival and control inflammation. We have exploited this natural process by making a compound, called AP39, which slowly delivers very small amounts of this gas specifically to the mitochondria. Our results indicate that if stressed cells are treated with AP39, mitochondria are protected and cells stay alive.”
Dr. Mark Wood of Biosciences, at the University of Exeter, added “Although hydrogen sulphide is well known as a pungent, foul-smelling gas in rotten eggs and flatulence, it is naturally produced in the body and could in fact be a healthcare hero with have significant implications for future therapies for a variety of diseases.”
The research is being conducted in several models of disease, and pre-clinical results are promising. In models of cardiovascular disease, research shows that almost 90% of the powerhouse mitochondria cells survive under otherwise highly destructive conditions when AP39 is administered. Professors Whiteman and Wood are now working towards advancing the research to a stage where it can be tested in humans.
The study was published in the journal Medicinal Chemistry Communications. A follow-up study, published in The Nitric Oxide Journal with collaborators from the University of Texas Medical Branch, also found that the compound selectively prevented mitochondrial DNA damage. Once damaged, this DNA cannot be repaired, leaving individuals more vulnerable to disease symptoms.
Early indications in small-scale studies, presented at this year’s 3rd International Conference on Hydrogen Sulphide in Biology and Medicine in Kyoto, also show that in high blood pressure, AP39 reversed blood vessel stiffening and lowered blood pressure. It also dramatically improved chances of survival after a heart attack by slowing the heartbeat, improving its efficiency.
It seems that this new breakthrough will certainly be able to help ease the pain and suffering of those who suffer from numerous medical conditions and illnesses. If the research and results continue to be this positive then who knows what else AP39 could be used to treat or cure in the future.
How important do you think the AP39 compound is and what do you feel is the next step in order to ensure that this becomes a successful treatment tool?
Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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