Resumen de Potential role of hydrogen sulfide in osteoarthritis
C. Magro, R. Henriques, T. Mico, Francisco Sampaio
Background and aims. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint pathology associated with pain, reduced range of motion, impaired function and reduction in quality of life with a high prevalence among the elderly population. Although its complete etiology is not known, it is characterized by a progressive loss of articular hyaline cartilage in the joints with the involvement of multiple inflammatory mediators. Hydrogen sulfide, traditionally classified as a soluble toxic gas, is now considered the third endogenous gasotransmitter and is emerging as a potential regulator of inflammation. Balneotherapy or bathing in thermal or mineral waters is used as a non-invasive treatment for several conditions and one of the main features of sulfurous water is the presence of hydrogen sulfide which might offer therapeutic value in the treatment of OA.
The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the potential therapeutic benefits of hydrogen sulfide as an anti-inflammatory approach to osteoarthritis.
