Objective: Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) is a gaseous mediator produced in the body. In experimental models, endogenously produced H2 S has been shown to have pro-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether H2 S is present in three common rheumatic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout and osteoarthritis (OA) and to determine if H2 S levels correlate with disease activity.
Methods: Patients with RA, gout, OA, and healthy controls (n = 30 each) were recruited. Plasma and where possible, synovial fluid (SF), were obtained. Levels of H2 S and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (a known inflammatory marker as a positive control) were determined and assessed for their relationship with disease activity.
Results: SF-H2 S levels were significantly elevated in both RA and gout when compared to respective plasma levels. Plasma levels of H2 S were not different from those in healthy controls in patients with either RA or gout. In OA, plasma levels of H2 S were significantly elevated compared to healthy controls. In RA, SF-H2 S levels correlated with Disease Activity Score (DAS)-28 and tender joint count.
Conclusion: H2 S is present in the joint and acts as a pro-inflammatory mediator in rheumatic diseases. H2 S may be a novel therapeutic target for these conditions.
Keywords: disease activity; gout; hydrogen sulfide; inflammation; interleukin-6; rheumatoid arthritis.
© 2014 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.