Association between serum hydrogen sulfide concentrations and dysglycemia: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Biochemistry
• Population Health

Background:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) acts as a signaling gasotransmitter involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
• Dysglycemia, encompassing conditions like impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes, represents a significant public health concern.
• Understanding the role of H2S in glucose regulation is crucial for metabolic health research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentrations and various forms of dysglycemia.
• To assess the relationship between serum H2S levels and glycemic status in a population-based cohort.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 798 adults in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (2014-2017).
• Comparison of median fasting serum H2S concentrations across defined glycemic statuses: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), isolated impaired fasting glucose (IIFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IIGT), combined IFG-IGT, and normal glycemia.
• Application of multinomial logistic regression to determine associations between serum H2S and glycemic status.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in mean serum H2S concentrations were observed among the different glycemic groups.
• Lower serum H2S levels (below 39.6 µmol/L) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of having isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IIGT) (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.15-3.34) after adjustment.
• The study included a mean age of 45.1 ± 14.0 years, with 48.1% males, and reported prevalence rates for T2DM, IIFG, IIGT, and combined IFG-IGT.

Conclusions:

• Reduced serum hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels may be associated with impaired glucose tolerance.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking H2S to glucose metabolism and dysglycemia.