A study published in Acta Diabetologica shows how hydrogen sulfide has a protective effect in diabetes and disorders of the kidney.

The same gas that gives rotten eggs their offensive odor is produced by the human body. Hydrogen sulfide produced by the body has a number of biological signaling functions. Contrary to the way it smells in eggs, the purpose of hydrogen sulfide in humans is defensive.

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been shown to have a potential protective role in a number of diseases including diabetes and various kidney disorders. Of course, as with many early discoveries in science, the mechanisms involved are still unclear.

Cells were cultured at a normal glucose concentration of approximately 5.5 mg/dL (a blood glucose of 100). The cells were then treated for 24 hours with different H₂S concentrations.

There was a significant increase in HO-1 expression after treatment with the H₂S. HO-1 appears in response to stress such as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is what causes bad things to happen in the kidney.

These results suggest that H₂S has a role in the regulation of HO-1 expression, and the ability to protect the kidney from oxidative stress damages. Now let’s find a way to encourage the body to produce a safe and nontoxic marinate of hydrogen sulfide.

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