Hydrogen sulfide, nitric oxide and a molecular mass 66 u substance in the exhaled breath of chronic pancreatitis patients

Wireless Detection of Trace Ammonia: A Chronic Kidney Disease Biomarker

Elevated levels of ammonia in breath can be linked to medical complications, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), that disturb the urea balance in the body. However, early stage CKD is usually asymptomatic, and mass screening is hindered by high instrumentation and operation requirements and accessible and reliable detection methods for CKD biomarkers, such as trace ammonia in breath. Enabling methods would have significance in population screening for early stage CKD patients. We herein report a method to effectively immobilize transition metal selectors in close proximity to a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) surface using pentiptycene polymers containing metal-chelating backbone structures. The robust and modular nature of the pentiptycene metallopolymer/SWCNT complexes creates a platform that accelerates sensor discovery and optimization. Using these methods, we have identified sensitive, selective, and robust copper-based chemiresistive ammonia sensors that display low parts per billion detection limits. We have added these hybrid materials to the resonant radio frequency circuits of commercial near-field communication (NFC) tags to achieve robust wireless detection of ammonia at physiologically relevant levels. The integrated devices offer a noninvasive and cost-effective approach for early detection and monitoring of CKD.

Chemistry of Hydrogen Sulfide-Pathological and Physiological Functions in Mammalian Cells

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was recognized as a gaseous signaling molecule, similar to nitric oxide (-NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the human body. H2S is synthesized by enzymatic processes involving cysteine and several enzymes, including cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), cysteine aminotransferase (CAT), 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST) and D-amino acid oxidase (DAO). The physiological and pathological effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on various systems in the human body have led to extensive research efforts to develop appropriate methods to deliver H2S under conditions that mimic physiological settings and respond to various stimuli. These functions span a wide spectrum, ranging from effects on the endocrine system and cellular lifespan to protection of liver and kidney function. The exact physiological and hazardous thresholds of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the human body are currently not well understood and need to be researched in depth. This article provides an overview of the physiological significance of H2S in the human body. It highlights the various sources of H2S production in different situations and examines existing techniques for detecting this gas.

Multiplexed DNA-functionalized graphene sensor with artificial intelligence-based discrimination performance for analyzing chemical vapor compositions

This study presents a new technology that can detect and discriminate individual chemical vapors to determine the chemical vapor composition of mixed chemical composition in situ based on a multiplexed DNA-functionalized graphene (MDFG) nanoelectrode without the need to condense the original vapor or target dilution. To the best of our knowledge, our artificial intelligence (AI)-operated arrayed electrodes were capable of identifying the compositions of mixed chemical gases with a mixed ratio in the early stage. This innovative technology comprised an optimized combination of nanodeposited arrayed electrodes and artificial intelligence techniques with advanced sensing capabilities that could operate within biological limits, resulting in the verification of mixed vapor chemical components. Highly selective sensors that are tolerant to high humidity levels provide a target for "breath chemovapor fingerprinting" for the early diagnosis of diseases. The feature selection analysis achieved recognition rates of 99% and above under low-humidity conditions and 98% and above under humid conditions for mixed chemical compositions. The 1D convolutional neural network analysis performed better, discriminating the compositional state of chemical vapor under low- and high-humidity conditions almost perfectly. This study provides a basis for the use of a multiplexed DNA-functionalized graphene gas sensor array and artificial intelligence-based discrimination of chemical vapor compositions in breath analysis applications.

Exhaled Biomarkers for Point-of-Care Diagnosis: Recent Advances and New Challenges in Breathomics

Cancers, chronic diseases and respiratory infections are major causes of mortality and present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for health care. There is an unmet medical need for non-invasive, easy-to-use biomarkers for the early diagnosis, phenotyping, predicting and monitoring of the therapeutic responses of these disorders. Exhaled breath sampling is an attractive choice that has gained attention in recent years. Exhaled nitric oxide measurement used as a predictive biomarker of the response to anti-eosinophil therapy in severe asthma has paved the way for other exhaled breath biomarkers. Advances in laser and nanosensor technologies and spectrometry together with widespread use of algorithms and artificial intelligence have facilitated research on volatile organic compounds and artificial olfaction systems to develop new exhaled biomarkers. We aim to provide an overview of the recent advances in and challenges of exhaled biomarker measurements with an emphasis on the applicability of their measurement as a non-invasive, point-of-care diagnostic and monitoring tool.

Ultrasensitive Chemiresistive Gas Sensor Can Diagnose Asthma and Monitor Its Severity by Analyzing Its Biomarker H2S: An Experimental, Clinical, and Theoretical Study

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. H₂S is considered as the biomarker of asthma. Here, an ultrasensitive chemiresistive H₂S gas sensor based on a γ-Bi₂MoO₆-CuO heterostructure with a detection limit of 5 ppb has been fabricated. It can distinguish asthmatic patients from healthy people roughly by analyzing the exhaled breaths of 28 asthmatic patients and 28 healthy people, suggesting that the sensor can be used to assist physicians in the diagnosis of asthma. Pathologically, it is discovered by this sensor that with the relief of asthma, the concentration of H₂S in one's exhaled breath gradually increases. This subtle concentration variation of H₂S can be accurately detected, indicating that this sensor can be used in the asthma severity monitoring too. Physical models have been built by first-principles calculation to reveal the causes of the sensor's ultrasensitivity. The stable adsorption of H₂S on the surface of CuO results in massive charge transferring and the appearance of the defect states, which play the major role in the ultrasensitivity of the sensor. Upon integrating this sensor with circuits, the cheap, smart, and portable H₂S sensing device can be obtained, which can make asthmatic patients' access to this device easy and make the severity monitoring of asthma convenient, especially for children and the aged.

Hydrogen sulfide as a novel biomarker of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has recently been recognised as the third important gas-signalling molecule, besides nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. H₂S has been reported to be produced by many cell types in mammalian tissues and organs throughout the actions of H₂S-generating enzymes or redox reactions between the oxidation of glucose and element of sulfur. Although the pathological role of H₂S has not yet been fully elucidated, accumulative data suggest that H₂S may have biphasic effects. Briefly, it mainly has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant roles, although it can also have pro-inflammatory effects under certain conditions where rapid release of H₂S in tissues occur, such as sepsis. To date, there have been several clinical studies published on H₂S in respiratory disorders, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to previous studies, H₂S is detectable in serum, sputum, and exhaled breath, although a gold standard method for detection has not yet been established. In asthma and COPD, H₂S levels in serum and sputum can vary depending on the underlying conditions such as an acute exacerbation. Furthermore, sputum H₂S in particular correlates with sputum neutrophils and the degree of airflow limitation, indicating that H₂S has potential as a novel promising biomarker for neutrophilic airway inflammation for predicting current control state as well as future risks of asthma. In the future, concurrent measures of H₂S with conventional inflammatory biomarkers (fractional exhaled nitric oxide, eosinophils etc) may provide more useful information regarding the identification of inflammatory phenotypes of asthma and COPD for personalised treatment.

Gram-negative and -positive bacteria differentiation in blood culture samples by headspace volatile compound analysis

BACKGROUND

Identification of microorganisms in positive blood cultures still relies on standard techniques such as Gram staining followed by culturing with definite microorganism identification. Alternatively, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry or the analysis of headspace volatile compound (VC) composition produced by cultures can help to differentiate between microorganisms under experimental conditions. This study assessed the efficacy of volatile compound based microorganism differentiation into Gram-negatives and -positives in unselected positive blood culture samples from patients.

METHODS

Headspace gas samples of positive blood culture samples were transferred to sterilized, sealed, and evacuated 20 ml glass vials and stored at -30 °C until batch analysis. Headspace gas VC content analysis was carried out via an auto sampler connected to an ion-molecule reaction mass spectrometer (IMR-MS). Measurements covered a mass range from 16 to 135 u including CO2, H2, N2, and O2. Prediction rules for microorganism identification based on VC composition were derived using a training data set and evaluated using a validation data set within a random split validation procedure.

RESULTS

One-hundred-fifty-two aerobic samples growing 27 Gram-negatives, 106 Gram-positives, and 19 fungi and 130 anaerobic samples growing 37 Gram-negatives, 91 Gram-positives, and two fungi were analysed. In anaerobic samples, ten discriminators were identified by the random forest method allowing for bacteria differentiation into Gram-negative and -positive (error rate: 16.7 % in validation data set). For aerobic samples the error rate was not better than random.

CONCLUSIONS

In anaerobic blood culture samples of patients IMR-MS based headspace VC composition analysis facilitates bacteria differentiation into Gram-negative and -positive.

Ranking of Molecular Biomarker Interaction with Targeted DNA Nucleobases via Full Atomistic Molecular Dynamics

DNA-based sensors can detect disease biomarkers, including acetone and ethanol for diabetes and H2S for cardiovascular diseases. Before experimenting on thousands of potential DNA segments, we conduct full atomistic steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations to screen the interactions between different DNA sequences with targeted molecules to rank the nucleobase sensing performance. We study and rank the strength of interaction between four single DNA nucleotides (Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), and Thymine (T)) on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with acetone, ethanol, H2S and HCl. By sampling forward and reverse interaction paths, we compute the free-energy profiles of eight systems for the four targeted molecules. We find that dsDNA react differently than ssDNA to the targeted molecules, requiring more energy to move the molecule close to DNA as indicated by the potential of mean force (PMF). Comparing the PMF values of different systems, we obtain a relative ranking of DNA base for the detection of each molecule. Via the same procedure, we could generate a library of DNA sequences for the detection of a wide range of chemicals. A DNA sensor array built with selected sequences differentiating many disease biomarkers can be used in disease diagnosis and monitoring.

Treatment with ginkgo biloba extract protects rats against acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury by modulating alveolar macrophage

INTRODUCTION

Acute pancreatitis (AP) protease release induces lung parenchymal destruction via inflammatory mediators. Ginkgo biloba has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of ginkgo biloba extract on experimental acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury in the rat and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Acute pancreatitis was induced in rats by injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the biliary pancreatic duct. Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) was administered and pancreas and lung injury were assessed by histological examination. Alveolar macrophages were harvested by bronchoalveolar lavage. Specificity fluorescent probe DAF-FM-DA was applied to observe nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in alveolar macrophage. The expression of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) protein in alveolar macrophage was studied by ELISA.

RESULTS

In sodium taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis, treatment with GBE significantly protected rats against lung injury associated with pancreatitis in histological sections. Ginkgo biloba extract had a tendency to down-regulate NO bioavailability compared with the AP group, but without statistical significance. Moreover, TNF-α and MIF at protein levels in alveolar macrophage with GBE treatment were decreased compared with the AP group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that GBE could effectively protect rats against acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury. The GBE may inhibit excessive activation of alveolar macrophages from acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury through down-regulation of generation of NO, TNF-α and MIF. These findings suggest that ginkgo biloba extract is a suitable candidate as an effective strategy against acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury.

Hydrogen sulfide and the liver

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter that regulates numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes in our body. Enzymatic production of H2S is catalyzed by cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST). All these three enzymes present in the liver and via H2S production regulate liver functions. The liver is the hub for metabolism of glucose and lipids, and maintains the level of circulatory lipids through lipoprotein metabolism. Hepatic H2S metabolism affects glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, lipoprotein synthesis, mitochondrial biogenetics and biogenesis. Malfunction of hepatic H2S metabolism may be involved in many liver diseases, such as hepatic fibrosis and hepatic cirrhosis.

Hydrogen sulfide as a potential biomarker of asthma

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gas characterized by the odor of rotten eggs, is produced by many cells in the airways and lungs, and may regulate physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. It plays a role in cellular signaling, and represents the third gasotransmitter after nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. Endogenous and exogenous H₂S have anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects, with inhibitory effects in models of lung inflammation and fibrosis. Under certain conditions, H₂S may also be proinflammatory. It is generally a vasodilator and relaxant of airway and vascular smooth muscle cells. It acts as a reducing agent, being able to scavenge superoxide and peroxynitrite. H₂S is detectable in serum and in sputum supernatants with raised levels observed in asthmatics. The sputum levels correlated inversely with lung function. H₂S may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Hydrogen sulfide and translational medicine

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) along with carbon monoxide and nitric oxide is an important signaling molecule that has undergone large numbers of fundamental investigations. H2S is involved in various physiological activities associated with the regulation of homeostasis, vascular contractility, pro- and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as pro- and anti-apoptotic activities etc. However, the actions of H2S are influenced by its concentration, reaction time, and cell/disease types. Therefore, H2S is a signaling molecule without definite effect. The use of existing H2S donors is limited because of the instant release and short lifetime of H2S. Thus, translational medicine involving the sustained and controlled release of H2S is of great value for both scientific and clinical uses. H2S donation can be manipulated by different ways, including where H2S is given, how H2S is donated, or the specific structures of H2S-releasing drugs and H2S donor molecules. This review briefly summarizes recent progress in research on the physiological and pathological functions of H2S and H2S-releasing drugs, and suggests hope for future investigations.

Volatile compound profiling for the identification of Gram-negative bacteria by ion-molecule reaction-mass spectrometry

AIMS

Fast and reliable methods for the early detection and identification of micro-organism are of high interest. In addition to established methods, direct mass spectrometry-based analysis of volatile compounds (VCs) emitted by micro-organisms has recently been shown to allow species differentiation. Thus, a large number of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, which comprised Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Serratia marcescens, were subjected to headspace VC composition analysis using direct mass spectrometry in a low sample volume that allows for automation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Ion-molecule reaction-mass spectrometry (IMR-MS) was applied to headspace analysis of the above bacterial samples incubated at 37°C starting with 10(2) CFU ml(-1) . Measurements of sample VC composition were performed at 4, 8 and 24 h. Microbial growth was detected in all samples after 8 h. After 24 h, species-specific mass spectra were obtained allowing differentiation between bacterial species.

CONCLUSIONS

IMR-MS provided rapid growth detection and identification of micro-organisms using a cumulative end-point model with a short analysis time of 3 min per sample.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Following further validation, the presented method of bacterial sample headspace VC analysis has the potential to be used for bacteria differentiation.

Hydrogen sulfide in the mammalian cardiovascular system

For more than a century, hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has been regarded as a toxic gas. This review surveys the growing recognition of the role of H(2)S as an endogenous signaling molecule in mammals, with emphasis on its physiological and pathological pathways in the cardiovascular system. In biological fluids, H(2)S gas is a weak acid that exists as about 15% H(2)S, 85% HS(-), and a trace of S(2-). Here, we use "H(2)S" to refer to this mixture. H(2)S has been found to influence heart contractile functions and may serve as a cardioprotectant for treating ischemic heart diseases and heart failure. Alterations of the endogenous H(2)S level have been found in animal models with various pathological conditions such as myocardial ischemia, spontaneous hypertension, and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. In the vascular system, H(2)S exerts biphasic regulation of a vascular tone with varying effects based on its concentration and in the presence of nitric oxide. Over the past decade, several H(2)S-releasing compounds (NaHS, Na(2)S, GYY4137, etc.) have been utilized to test the effect of exogenous H(2)S under different physiological and pathological situations in vivo and in vitro. H(2)S has been found to promote angiogenesis and to protect against atherosclerosis and hypertension, while excess H(2)S may promote inflammation in septic or hemorrhagic shock. H(2)S-releasing compounds and inhibitors of H(2)S synthesis hold promise in alleviating specific disease conditions. This comprehensive review covers in detail the effects of H(2)S on the cardiovascular system, especially in disease situations, and also the various underlying mechanisms.

The message in the air: hydrogen sulfide metabolism in chronic respiratory diseases

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is an important gasotransmitter in the mammalian respiratory system. The enzymes that produce H(2)S - mainly cystathionine-β-synthase and cystathionine-γ-lyase - are expressed in pulmonary and airway tissues. Endogenous H(2)S participates in the regulation of the respiratory system's physiological functions and pathophysiological alterations, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, to name a few. The cellular targets of H(2)S in the respiratory system are diverse, including airway smooth muscle cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. H(2)S also regulates respiratory functions such as airway constriction, pulmonary circulation, cell proliferation or apoptosis, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and neurogenic inflammation. Cross-talk between H(2)S and other gasotransmitters also affects the net outcome of lung function. The metabolism of H(2)S in the lungs and airway may serve as a biomarker for specific respiratory diseases. It is expected that strategies targeted at the metabolism and function of H(2)S will prove useful for the prevention and treatment of selective chronic respiratory diseases.

Detection of exhaled hydrogen sulphide gas in healthy human volunteers during intravenous administration of sodium sulphide

INTRODUCTION

Hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) is an endogenous gaseous signaling molecule and potential therapeutic agent. Emerging studies indicate its therapeutic potential in a variety of cardiovascular diseases and in critical illness. Augmentation of endogenous sulphide concentrations by intravenous administration of sodium sulphide can be used for the delivery of H(2)S to the tissues. In the current study, we have measured H(2)S concentrations in the exhaled breath of healthy human volunteers subjected to increasing doses sodium sulphide in a human phase I safety and tolerability study.

METHODS

We have measured reactive sulphide in the blood via ex vivo derivatization of sulphide with monobromobimane to form sulphide-dibimane and blood concentrations of thiosulfate (major oxidative metabolite of sulphide) via ion chromatography. We have measured exhaled H(2)S concentrations using a custom-made device based on a sulphide gas detector (Interscan).

RESULTS

Administration of IK-1001, a parenteral formulation of Na(2)S (0.005-0.20 mg kg(-1), i.v., infused over 1 min) induced an elevation of blood sulphide and thiosulfate concentrations over baseline, which was observed within the first 1-5 min following administration of IK-1001 at 0.10 mg kg(-1) dose and higher. In all subjects, basal exhaled H(2)S was observed to be higher than the ambient concentration of H(2)S gas in room air, indicative of on-going endogenous H(2)S production in human subjects. Upon intravenous administration of Na(2)S, a rapid elevation of exhaled H(2)S concentrations was observed. The amount of exhaled H(2)S rapidly decreased after discontinuation of the infusion of Na(2)S.

CONCLUSION

Exhaled H(2)S represents a detectable route of elimination after parenteral administration of Na(2)S.

Interactions of multiple gas-transducing systems: hallmarks and uncertainties of CO, NO, and H2S gas biology

The diverse physiological actions of the "biologic gases," O2, CO, NO, and H2S, have attracted much interest. Initially viewed as toxic substances, CO, NO, and H2S play important roles as signaling molecules. The multiplicity of gas actions and gas targets and the difficulty in measuring local gas concentrations obscures detailed mechanisms whereby gases exert their actions, and many questions remain unanswered. It is now readily apparent, however, that heme-based proteins play central roles in gas-generation/reception mechanisms and provide a point where multiple gases can interact. In this review, we consider a number of key issues related to "gas biology," including the effective tissue concentrations of these gases and the importance and significance of the physical proximity of gas-producing and gas-receptor/sensors. We also take an integrated approach to the interaction of gases by considering the physiological significance of CO, NO, and H2S on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, a key target and central mediator of mitochondrial respiration. Additionally, we consider the effects of biologic gases on mitochondrial biogenesis and "suspended animation." By evaluating gas-mediated control functions from both in vitro and in vivo perspectives, we hope to elaborate on the complex multiple interactions of O2, NO, CO, and H2S.

Hydrogen sulfide and substance P in inflammation

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) plays an important role in cardiovascular, central nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. Being the third gaseous mediator, H(2)S has been shown to act as a vasodilator. In recent times, more and more attention has been paid to the biological functions of H(2)S in inflammation. Substance P is an 11 amino acid neuropeptide that is released from nerve endings in many tissues. Subsequent to its release, substance P binds to neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors on the surface of effector cells and, in addition to being a mediator of pain, it plays an important role in many inflammatory states including asthma, immune-complex-mediated lung injury, experimental arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Substance P has been shown to increase microvascular permeability and promote plasma extravasation. Using animal models of inflammation of different etiologies such as acute pancreatitis, sepsis, and burns, studies in our laboratory have recently shown an important role of the pro-inflammatory action of H(2)S and substance P.

Alcoholic pancreatitis: pathogenesis, incidence and treatment with special reference to the associated pain

Alcoholic pancreatitis continues to stir up controversy. One of the most debated points is whether from onset it is a chronic disease or whether it progresses to a chronic form after repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis. Histological studies on patients with alcoholic pancreatitis have shown that the disease is chronic from onset and that alcoholic acute pancreatitis occurs in a pancreas already damaged by chronic lesions. Genetic factors may also play a role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic disease. The incidence of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis seems to have decreased in the last twenty years. Finally, recent therapeutic studies which have shown medical or surgical approaches capable of reducing the pain episodes in chronic pancreatitis patients will be described.

Etiology of chronic pancreatitis: Has it changed in the last decade?

The evidence from recent surveys on chronic pancreatitis carried out around the world shows that alcohol remains the main factor associated with chronic pancreatitis, even if at a frequency lower than that reported previously. It has further confirmed that heavy alcohol consumption and smoking are independent risk factors for chronic pancreatitis. Autoimmune pancreatitis accounts for 2%-4% of all forms of chronic pancreatitis, but this frequency will probably increase over the next few years. The rise in idiopathic chronic pancreatitis, especially in India, represents a black hole in recently published surveys. Despite the progress made so far regarding the possibility of establishing the hereditary forms of chronic pancreatitis and the recognition of autoimmune pancreatitis, it is possible that we are more inaccurate today than in the past in identifying the factors associated with chronic pancreatitis in our patients.

Actions and interactions of nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide in the cardiovascular system and in inflammation--a tale of three gases!

Nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) together make up a family of biologically active gases (the so-called 'gaseous triumvirate') with an increasingly well defined range of physiological effects plus roles to play in a number of disease states. Over the years, most researchers have concentrated their attention on understanding the part played by a single gas in one or more body systems. It is becoming more clear that all three gases are synthesised naturally in the body, often by the same cells within the same organs, and that all three gases exert essentially similar biological effects albeit via different mechanisms. Within the cardiovascular system, for example, all are vasodilators, promote angiogenesis and vascular remodelling and are protective towards tissue damage in for example, ischaemia-reperfusion injury in the heart. Similarly, all exhibit complex effects in inflammation with both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects recognised. It seems likely that cell function is controlled not by the activity of single gases working in isolation but by the concerted activity of all three of these gases working together.

Detection of exhaled hydrogen sulphide gas in rats exposed to intravenous sodium sulphide

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Sodium sulphide (Na(2)S) disassociates to sodium (Na(+)) hydrosulphide, anion (HS(-)) and hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) in aqueous solutions. Here we have established and characterized a method to detect H(2)S gas in the exhaled breath of rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Male rats were anaesthetized with ketamine and xylazine, instrumented with intravenous (i.v.) jugular vein catheters, and a tube inserted into the trachea was connected to a pneumotach connected to a H(2)S gas detector. Sodium sulphide, cysteine or the natural polysulphide compound diallyl disulphide were infused intravenously while the airway was monitored for exhaled H(2)S real time.

KEY RESULTS

Exhaled sulphide concentration was calculated to be in the range of 0.4-11 ppm in response to i.v. infusion rates ranging between 0.3 and 1.1 mg x kg(-1) x min(-1). When nitric oxide synthesis was inhibited with N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester the amount of H(2)S exhaled during i.v. infusions of sodium sulphide was significantly increased compared with that obtained with the vehicle control. An increase in circulating nitric oxide using DETA NONOate [3,3-bis(aminoethyl)-1-hydroxy-2-oxo-1-triazene] did not alter the levels of exhaled H(2)S during an i.v. infusion of sodium sulphide. An i.v. bolus of L-cysteine, 1 g.kg(-1), and an i.v. infusion of the garlic derived natural compound diallyl disulphide, 1.8 mg x kg(-1) x min(-1), also caused exhalation of H(2)S gas.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

This method has shown that significant amounts of H(2)S are exhaled in rats during sodium sulphide infusions, and the amount exhaled can be modulated by various pharmacological interventions.

Is hydrogen sulfide a circulating "gasotransmitter" in vertebrate blood?

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is gaining acceptance as a signaling molecule and has been shown to elicit a variety of biological effects at concentrations between 10 and 1000 micromol/l. Dissolved H(2)S is a weak acid in equilibrium with HS(-) and S(2-) and under physiological conditions these species, collectively referred to as sulfide, exist in the approximate ratio of 20% H(2)S, 80% HS(-) and 0% S(2-). Numerous analyses over the past 8 years have reported plasma or blood sulfide concentrations also in this range, typically between 30 and 300 micromol/l, thus supporting the biological studies. However, there is some question whether or not these concentrations are physiological. First, many of these values have been obtained from indirect methods using relatively harsh chemical conditions. Second, most studies conducted prior to 2000 failed to find blood sulfide in micromolar concentrations while others showed that radiolabeled (35)S-sulfide is rapidly removed from blood and that mammals have a relatively high capacity to metabolize exogenously administered sulfide. Very recent studies using H(2)S gas-sensing electrodes to directly measure sulfide in plasma or blood, or HPLC analysis of head-space gas, have also indicated that sulfide does not circulate at micromolar levels and is rapidly consumed by blood or tissues. Third, micromolar concentrations of sulfide in blood or exhaled air should be, but are not, malodorous. Fourth, estimates of dietary sulfur necessary to sustain micromolar levels of plasma sulfide greatly exceed the daily intake. Collectively, these studies imply that many of the biological effects of sulfide are only achieved at supra-physiological concentrations and they question whether circulating sulfide is a physiologically relevant signaling molecule. This review examines the blood/plasma sulfide measurements that have been reported over the past 30 years from the perspective of the analytical methods used and the potential sources of error.

Expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms and nitric oxide production in acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The role of nitric oxide (NO) has been increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis (AP). Studies have shown increased NO production in AP although not all are agreeable on whether NO is beneficial or detrimental in AP. This study aims to profile NO production and NO synthase (NOS) expression in the pancreas and lungs in the progression of AP in mice to gain insights to the role played by different NOS isoforms.

METHODS

AP was induced in mice by hourly administration of cerulein. NO production was determined by measuring the total nitrite and nitrate (NOx) content while NOS expression was measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

Pancreatic NO production increased sharply and was sustained throughout AP. iNOS expression was greatly increased while eNOS was downregulated at the later stages. In the lungs, there was an unexpected early increase in the constitutive NOS expression; however iNOS was also significantly overexpressed at the later time point along with a significant increase in NO. Acinar cells were found to overproduce NO in response to cerulein hyperstimulation with iNOS again being the major contributor.

CONCLUSION

These data show that NO production and NOS expression are differentially regulated temporally and in magnitude in the pancreas and lungs in response to cerulein hyperstimulation which suggests differing roles for each NOS isoform. and IAP.

Reappraisal of H2S/sulfide concentration in vertebrate blood and its potential significance in ischemic preconditioning and vascular signaling

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is rapidly emerging as a biologically significant signaling molecule. Studies published before 2000 report low or undetectable H(2)S (usually as total sulfide) levels in blood or plasma, whereas recent work has reported sulfide concentrations between 10 and 300 microM, suggesting it acts as a circulating signal. In the first series of experiments, we used a recently developed polarographic sensor to measure the baseline level of endogenous H(2)S gas and turnover of exogenous H(2)S gas in real time in blood from numerous animals, including lamprey, trout, mouse, rat, pig, and cow. We found that, contrary to recent reports, H(2)S gas was essentially undetectable (<100 nM total sulfide) in all animals. Furthermore, exogenous sulfide was rapidly removed from blood, plasma, or 5% bovine serum albumin in vitro and from intact trout in vivo. To determine if blood H(2)S could transiently increase, we measured oxygen-dependent H(2)S production by trout hearts in vitro and in vivo. H(2)S has been shown to mediate ischemic preconditioning (IPC) in mammals. IPC is present in trout and, unlike mammals, the trout myocardium obtains its oxygen from relatively hypoxic systemic venous blood. In vitro, myocardial H(2)S production was inversely related to Po(2), whereas we failed to detect H(2)S in ventral aortic blood from either normoxic or hypoxic fish in vivo. These results provide an autocrine or paracrine mechanism for myocardial coupling of hypoxia to H(2)S in IPC, i.e., oxygen sensing, but they fail to provide any evidence that H(2)S signaling is mediated by the circulation.