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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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That Stink May Help Your Blood Pressure

Hydrogen sulfide could be key to hypertension treatment

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(Newser) – The gas we pass is unpleasant when it escapes, but it may also be key to lowering blood pressure, the BBC reports. It seems that hydrogen sulfide is produced by an enzyme in blood vessels, researchers at Johns Hopkins University found. Mice who lacked the enzyme experienced what would be serious hypertension in humans, even when injected with a vessel relaxant, they reported in the journal Science.

“Now we know hydrogen sulphide's role in regulating blood pressure, it may be possible to design drug therapies that enhance its formation as an alternative to the current methods of treatment for hypertension,” said the lead researcher.

Hydrogen sulfide, which makes farts stink, may help lower blood pressure.
Hydrogen sulfide, which makes farts stink, may help lower blood pressure.   (Shutterstock)
It may be unpleasant, but hydrogen sulfide could be essential.
It may be unpleasant, but hydrogen sulfide could be essential.   (Shutterstock)
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We know hydrogen sulfide is not good for us at high levels but it seems that at the lower levels in the body it is essential. - Professor Amrita Ahluwalia, London Medical School

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