Hydrogen sulphide suppresses HIV

Hydrogen sulphide suppresses HIV

Subject – Science and Tech

Context– Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) and their collaborators have identified a key role played by hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas in suppressing the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Concept –

• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) and their collaborators have identified a key role played by hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas in suppressing the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
• Increased H2S was found to have a direct effect on reducing the rate at which the virus multiplies in HIV-infected human immune cells.
• Current state-of-the-art combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) is not a cure for HIV. It can only suppress the virus by causing it to become latent.

About Hydrogen sulphide

• Hydrogen sulfide is a chemical compound with the formula H2S.
• It is a colorless chalcogen hydride gas with the characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs. It is poisonous, corrosive, and flammable.
• Hydrogen sulfide is often produced from the microbial breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, such as in swamps and sewers; this process is commonly known as anaerobic digestion which is done by sulfate-reducing microorganisms.
• H2S also occurs in volcanic gases, natural gas, and in some sources of well water.
• The human body produces small amounts of H2S and uses it as a signaling molecule.
• When high amounts of this chemical are found in the human body, damage to organs can occur with symptoms ranging from breathing difficulties to convulsions and even death.
• Hydrogen sulfide is slightly denser than air. A mixture of H2S and air can be explosive.
• Hydrogen sulfide burns in oxygen with a blue flame to form sulfur dioxide (SO2) and water.
• In general, hydrogen sulfide acts as a reducing agent.
• Hydrogen sulfide is slightly soluble in water and acts as a weak acid.
• Hydrogen sulfide reacts with metal ions to form metal sulfides, which are insoluble, often dark colored solids.