Sulfide mineral water as a donor of signaling molecules of the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen sulfide is recognized as the third gasotransmitter, playing an essential role in both physiological processes and various diseases. Experimental evidence confirms that it is synthesized in body tissues and has a broad range of physiological effects on the cardiovascular, nervous, and other systems. Studies on the role of H2S in the metabolism of living systems have revealed the existence of donors capable of releasing it, including sulfide mineral water used in balneology.AIM: To justify the role of sulfide mineral water as a donor of hydrogen sulfide gasotransmitter signaling molecules initiating therapeutic effects.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of publications from the past 20 years was conducted using the electronic databases RSCI, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline. The search was performed using the following keywords: газотрансмиттеры (gasotransmitters), сероводород (hydrogen sulfide), доноры сероводорода (hydrogen sulfide donors), and сульфидная бальнеотерапия (sulfide balneotherapy). A total of 63 publications most relevant to the topic were selected for analysis.RESULTS: Hydrogen sulfide belongs to the group of gasotransmitters-gaseous signaling molecules produced by the human and animal body. These molecules play a critical role in cellular regulation and mediate various biological processes. H2S exerts diverse physiological effects on various body systems, including the brain, where it may influence emotional state and behavior. Sources of H2S include gaseous hydrogen sulfide, aqueous solutions of sodium hydrosulfide and sodium sulfide, hydrogen sulfide mineral water, and carbonyl sulfide. The therapeutic effect of topically applied H2S-containing mineral water is due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide in free, partially bound, and bound forms. Mineral water also contains sulfur, sulfane sulfur (polysulfides), cyclic polynuclear organosulfur compounds, and dialkyl polysulfides. H2S penetrates the bloodstream via the skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. Sulfide balneotherapy promotes reparative regeneration by activating polymorphonuclear leukocytes and enhances the structural organization of collagen fibers in scar tissue. Imbalances in hydrogen sulfide levels-both excess and deficiency-may be associated with several neurodegenerative disorders.CONCLUSION: Hydrogen sulfide mineral water may serve as a donor of signaling molecules of the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide, as evidenced by the positive therapeutic outcomes of balneotherapy

Hydrogen sulfide · Mineral · Sulfide · Sulfur · Air Quality and Health Impacts · Chemistry · Neuroscience of respiration and sleep · Sulfur Compounds in Biology · Organic Chemistry