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Hydrogen sulfide assists blood pressure

British researchers have found hydrogen sulfide gas, which is normally associated with sewage and rotten eggs, helps to control blood pressure.

The hydrogen sulfide study

The study from the Peninsula Medical School, London previously showed hydrogen sulfide, or H2S, is produced naturally within our bodies.

This month they reported in the journal Circulation, that H2S relaxes vascular tissue and increase the flexibility of veins and arteries. This results in a smoother flow of blood through the veins and arteries.

The researchers have created a synthetic molecule that allows H2S to be released into the body in a more controllable and regulated manner. This then acts as a slow-releasing H2S molecule which mimics the effects of the naturally produced H2S.

The researchers hope that studying H2S will lead to a greater understanding of H2S role in health and disease.

Researchers comments

Dr Whiteman from the Peninsula Medical School said, "These are exciting times. We are only just starting to unravel the surprising role H2S has in the body not only in the cardiovascular system but also its role in inflammation, neurodegeneration and diabetes, as well as its role in health".

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