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.