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The quality of potable water depends not only on its physical and chemical characteristics but also on its biological characteristics. Potable water is often sourced from surface water, mainly rivers, streams, lakes and groundwater - boreholes and wells; of which boreholes are supposedly superior. In the present study, the physicochemical and microbiological status of six newly drilled boreholes in Rafi Local Government Area, Minna, Niger State was assessed. Twenty-two physicochemical parameters and coliform count were determined. Water samples were collected from newly drilled borehole water sources in Tsofomension 1, TsofoMension 2, Katako, Tunga Bako, Kagara and Kwana. The colour, odour, taste, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, pH, chloride and copper ions were within acceptable limits. Iron and manganese content of the three regions were highly elevated above the recommended level. It is of concern that the level of hydrogen sulphide (0.2 - 0.27) was far above the permissible level (0.05), being newly drilled sources of water. Only one of the studied boreholes was free of both total and faecal coliforms, other boreholes were contaminated with either total or faecal coliforms or both. The findings in this study necessitate a call for increased hygiene and construction of lined soak-away to eradicate indiscriminate discharge of human and animal wastes. Appropriate water treatment methods such as coagulation, filtration and boiling of water should be encouraged. Most importantly, newly dug water sources should be tested, monitored and elaborately treated before consumption.
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Objective@#To explore correlation between chest CT score and oxygenation index in patients with acute hydrogen sulphide poisoning, whether CT score can be applied to assess acute lung injury after acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning and provide basis and reference.@*Methods@#The clinic and a series of CT datas of 32 acute hydrogen sulphide poisoning cases were retrospectively analysed and compared, According to GBZ31-2002 (the diagnostic standard of occupational H2S acute poisoning) , these patients were divided into 2 grouds including moderate groud and severe groud; The CT score were improved, referenceing the scoring criteria of the chest X-ray; The difference of the CT score and the oxygenation index were analyzed between moderate and severe group in the acute phase and the disperse phase; The correlation between CT score and oxygenation index were analyzed.@*Results@#The CT score in moderate poisoning group were lower than severe group (2.26±1.37 vs 10.44±2.55, 1.34±0.65 vs 4.55±2.45, all P<0.05) in the acute phase and the dissipation phase.The oxygen index of the 19 cases in the acute phase were 307.55±28.29, and the oxygen index of the 8 cases in the dissipation phase was 435.75±37.00; The oxygen index of the 9 cases in the acute phase and the dissipation phase were respectively 193.17±36.41, 347.67±44.49. The oxygen partial pressure and oxygenation index in severe group were significantly lower than those in moderate group (all P<0.01) in the acute phase and the dissipation phase. Pearman correlation analysis showed that the CT score were negatively correlated to the oxygen index in the acute phase and the dissipation phase, respectively (r=-0.97、-0.75, all P<0.01) .@*Conclusions@#The CT score of lung injury and oxygenation index is negatively correlated. The CT score can be used to evaluate the degree of lung injury, and can be used in the evaluation of acute lung injury after acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning.
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Hydrogen sulphide is an endogenous inflammatory mediator produced by cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) in macrophages. To determine the role of H2S and macrophages in sepsis, we used small interference RNA (siRNA) to target the CSE gene and investigated its effect in a mouse model of sepsis. Cecal ligation puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis is characterized by increased levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, morphological changes in liver and pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the liver and lung. SiRNA treatment attenuated inflammation in the liver and lungs of mice following CLP-induced sepsis. Liver MPO activity increased in CLP-induced sepsis and treatment with siRNA significantly reduced this. Similarly, lung MPO activity increased following induction of sepsis with CLP while siRNA treatment significantly reduced MPO activity. Liver and lung cytokine and chemokine levels in CLP-induced sepsis reduced following treatment with siRNA. These findings show a crucial pro-inflammatory role for H2S synthesized by CSE in macrophages in sepsis and suggest CSE gene silencing with siRNA as a potential therapeutic approach for this condition.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the plasma H2S levels and H2S synthesis activity in streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes rats compared to the healthy controls and also to observe the effect of the aqueous extract of Swietenia macrophylla (S. macrophylla) seeds on the experimental groups.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seeds of S. macrophylla were separated, washed, shed-dried and finally extract was prepared. Thirty two wistar rats were selected for the experimental study. Streptozotocin was used for the induction of diabetes. H2S concentration in plasma was measured. H2S synthesizing activity in plasma was measured. Statistical analysis have done using Microsoft excel, Office 2003. Values were expressed by mean±SD. P<0.05 were considered statistically significant.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fasting blood glucose level (7.74±0.02) mmol/L was significantly increased in diabetic rats. The glucose levels are significantly lowered in the rats treated with metformin (5.48±0.03) mmol/L as well as with aqueous extract of S. macrophylla seeds (3.72±0.04) mmol/L. The HbA1c percentages in different groups of study subjects also indicate similar trends. Our study shows both the plasma H2S levels (22.07±0.73) mmol/L and plasma H2S synthesis activity (0.411±0.005 mmol/100 g) are significantly reduced in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Although considering a small sample size, it can conclude that the fasting blood glucose levels are inversely related to plasma H2S levels as well as H2S synthesis activity in plasma and the extract of S. macrophylla is associated with increased plasma H2S levels with effective lowering of blood glucose in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.</p>
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Objective: Objective of this review is to summarize the currently available information on possible chondroprotective effects of mineral waters or mineral components on chondrocyte or cartilage cultures. Methodology: We conducted a search of the literature by PubMed and Scopus (the period examined was 1980-2013) using the terms “chondrocyte” and/or “cartilage” in combination with ”mineral water”, “hydrogen sulphide”, “sulphur hydrogen”. Results: A chondroprotective role of mineral water or mineral components was demonstrated by some pilot studies in chondrocyte cultures. Burguera1) studied the activity of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes stimulated with Interleukin (IL)-1β. They analyzed the effects of different concentrations of a fast (NaHS) or a slow (GYY4137) release H2S donor demonstrating a significant reduction of Nitric Oxide (NO), Prostaglandin(PG)-E2, and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels in culture medium and of inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) gene expression, induced by IL-1β. These data were confirmed by Li2) in normal human chondrocytes stimulated by Lipopolysaccharide(LPS). GYY4137 decreased LPS-induced production of NO, PGE2, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α and IL-6, reduced the levels and catalytic activity of iNOS and of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and reduced LPS-induced NF-kB activation. Furthermore GYY4137 showed a strong inhibition on oxidative stress-induced cell death3). The incubation of chondrocytes cell line C-28/I2 with another H2S donor, Natrium Hydrogen Sulphide (NaHS), proved that constitutive as well as IL-1β-induced IL-6 and IL-8 expression was partially and transiently blocked by the NaHS4). Fioravanti studied the chondroprotective role of highly mineralized water, strongly acidic sulfate, rich in calcium, magnesium and iron [Vetriolo’s thermal water (VW)] in human OA chondrocytes cultivated with or without IL-1β5). For this purpose chondrocytes were cultivated in Deionized Water (DW) (DW-DMEM, controls), or in one of three different VW-DMEM media, in which DW had been totally (100%) or in part (50% or 25%) substituted with VW. The results showed that VW alone at 25% or 50% concentration did not affect the viability of cultured chondrocytes, and determined a significant survival recovery rate in cultures stimulated with IL-1β. NO levels were low both in DW-DMEM cultures and in those reconstituted with 25% or 50% of VW, and were significantly increased by IL-1β. VW at 25% or 50% concentration significantly reduced the NO production induced by IL-1β. The data of NO levels were confirmed by the immunocytochemistry assay for iNOS. Furthermore, the authors demonstrated a protective effect of VW at 25% or 50% concentration on IL-1β-induced apoptosis. Conclusions: Presented data are stimulating, but we don’t ignore the existence of a complex series of problems and limitations. One of the critical points is the controversial problem of the absorption of the minerals dissolved in mineral waters, furthermore, extrapolation of in vitro results to in vivo should be undertaken with caution. Further studies are needed in vitro to confirm these preliminary findings.
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<b>Objective: </b>Objective of this review is to summarize the currently available information on possible chondroprotective effects of mineral waters or mineral components on chondrocyte or cartilage cultures. <BR><b>Methodology: </b>We conducted a search of the literature by PubMed and Scopus (the period examined was 1980-2013) using the terms “chondrocyte” and/or “cartilage” in combination with ”mineral water”, “hydrogen sulphide”, “sulphur hydrogen”.<BR><b>Results: </b>A chondroprotective role of mineral water or mineral components was demonstrated by some pilot studies in chondrocyte cultures. Burguera<sup>1)</sup> studied the activity of hydrogen sulphide (H<sub>2</sub>S) in human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes stimulated with Interleukin (IL)-1β. They analyzed the effects of different concentrations of a fast (NaHS) or a slow (GYY4137) release H<sub>2</sub>S donor demonstrating a significant reduction of Nitric Oxide (NO), Prostaglandin(PG)-E<sub>2</sub>, and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels in culture medium and of inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) gene expression, induced by IL-1β. These data were confirmed by Li<sup>2)</sup> in normal human chondrocytes stimulated by Lipopolysaccharide(LPS). GYY4137 decreased LPS-induced production of NO, PGE<sub>2</sub>, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α and IL-6, reduced the levels and catalytic activity of iNOS and of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and reduced LPS-induced NF-kB activation. Furthermore GYY4137 showed a strong inhibition on oxidative stress-induced cell death<sup>3)</sup>. The incubation of chondrocytes cell line C-28/I2 with another H<sub>2</sub>S donor, Natrium Hydrogen Sulphide (NaHS), proved that constitutive as well as IL-1β-induced IL-6 and IL-8 expression was partially and transiently blocked by the NaHS<sup>4)</sup>. Fioravanti studied the chondroprotective role of highly mineralized water, strongly acidic sulfate, rich in calcium, magnesium and iron [Vetriolo’s thermal water (VW)] in human OA chondrocytes cultivated with or without IL-1β<sup>5)</sup>. For this purpose chondrocytes were cultivated in Deionized Water (DW) (DW-DMEM, controls), or in one of three different VW-DMEM media, in which DW had been totally (100%) or in part (50% or 25%) substituted with VW. The results showed that VW alone at 25% or 50% concentration did not affect the viability of cultured chondrocytes, and determined a significant survival recovery rate in cultures stimulated with IL-1β. NO levels were low both in DW-DMEM cultures and in those reconstituted with 25% or 50% of VW, and were significantly increased by IL-1β. VW at 25% or 50% concentration significantly reduced the NO production induced by IL-1β. The data of NO levels were confirmed by the immunocytochemistry assay for iNOS. Furthermore, the authors demonstrated a protective effect of VW at 25% or 50% concentration on IL-1β-induced apoptosis. <BR><b>Conclusions: </b>Presented data are stimulating, but we don’t ignore the existence of a complex series of problems and limitations. One of the critical points is the controversial problem of the absorption of the minerals dissolved in mineral waters, furthermore, extrapolation of in vitro results to in vivo should be undertaken with caution.<BR> Further studies are needed in vitro to confirm these preliminary findings.
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Objective: To evaluate the plasma H2S levels and H2S synthesis activity in streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes rats compared to the healthy controls and also to observe the effect of the aqueous extract of Swietenia macrophylla (S. macrophylla) seeds on the experimental groups. Methods: Seeds of S. macrophylla were separated, washed, shed-dried and finally extract was prepared. Thirty two wistar rats were selected for the experimental study. Streptozotocin was used for the induction of diabetes. H2S concentration in plasma was measured. H2S synthesizing activity in plasma was measured. Statistical analysis have done using Microsoft excel, Office 2003. Values were expressed by mean±SD. P<0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results:rats. The glucose levels are significantly lowered in the rats treated with metformin (5.48±0.03) mmol/L as well as with aqueous extract of S. macrophylla seeds (3.72±0.04) mmol/L. The HbA1c percentages in different groups of study subjects also indicate similar trends. Our study shows both the plasma H2S levels (22.07±0.73) mmol/L and plasma H2S synthesis activity (0.411±0.005 mmol/100 g) are significantly reduced in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.Conclusions:Although considering a small sample size, it can conclude that the fasting blood Fasting blood glucose level (7.74±0.02) mmol/L was significantly increased in diabetic glucose levels are inversely related to plasma H2S levels as well as H2S synthesis activity in plasma and the extract of S. macrophylla is associated with increased plasma H2S levels with effective lowering of blood glucose in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.
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Background: The behaviour of two biotrickling filters connected in serie (BTF) inoculated with Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Thiobacillus thioparus, biodegrading hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and dimethyl sulphide (DMS) simultaneously were studied. A model which considers gas to liquid mass transfer and biooxidation in the biofilm attached to the support is developed. Additionally, a fixed bed biotrickling filter where the microorganism is immobilized in a biofilm which degrades a mixture of H2S and DMS is implemented. Validation of the model was carried out using experimental data obtained at different H2S and DMS loads. Results: The inhibitory effect caused by the presence of H2S on the DMS is observed, which is evidenced by the decrease of the DMS removal efficiency from 80 to 27 percent, due to the preference that T. thioparus has by simple metabolism. H2S is not affected by the DMS, with removal efficiencies of 95 to 97 percent, but it decreases at high concentrations of the compound, due to the inhibition of metabolism by high H2S input loads. The model which describes the BFT fits successfully with the experimental results and it has a high sensitivity to inhibition parameters. Conclusion: It is shown that the microorganism has a high affinity for H2S, producing substrate inhibition when the concentration is high. The H2S is able to inhibit the DMS biooxidation, whereas the DMS does not affect the H2S biooxidation.
Subject(s)
Filtration , Hydrogen Sulfide , Models, Theoretical , Sulfides , Thiobacillus , Acidithiobacillus thiooxidansABSTRACT
Research in the last two decades has transformed the way hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is perceived from a noxious gas to a gaso-transmitter with a vast potential in pharmacotherapy. H2S is synthesized in various body-systems using the enzymes cystathionine beta-synthase and cystathionine gamma-lyase; either of these being the predominat enzyme in a particular system. H2S may be one of the physiological modulators of blood pressure in humans. The gas relaxes the vascular smooth muscle cells by opening up KATP channels. Moreover, it suppresses the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. H2S may also be contributing in the protection afforded by ischaemia-preconditioning. Testosterone is thought to be responsible for the higher central nervous system level of H2S in males. In the central nervous system, H2S is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, stroke and Down’s syndrome. Insulin secretion is associated with a decrease in the H2S levels. Raised H2S is detrimental in acute pancreatitis as well as in septic shock. Recently, H2S-releasing derivatives of certain drugs have shown promise in protection against gastric ulcer and in inflammatory bowel disease. The beneficial effects of certain sulphur containing herbs like ginseng and garlic may be mediated via H2S. In future, development of specific drugs modulating H2S levels may prove beneficial in varied disorders.