Abstract P131: Transdermal Detection of Low Concentrations of Hydrogen Sulfide

Abstract

We report here a novel approach to measure circulating hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) non-invasively as a potential way to diagnose and monitor endothelial dysfunction and peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a life-threatening condition caused by arterial constriction and obstruction of blood flow leading to limb ischemia. Current methods to diagnose and monitor PAD lack sensitivity, are expensive, and technically difficult. Recent studies indicate that decreased H 2 S production is an underlying cause of PAD. Also, reduced plasma H 2 S correlates with endothelial dysfunction in individuals with untreated hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea and other cardiovascular diseases. The TAGS device was designed to measure transdermal H 2 S to test the hypothesis that the diffusion rate (and therefore gas phase concentration) of H 2 S is directly proportional to dermal blood flow. Healthy volunteers between the ages of 21-65 were recruited. Exclusion criteria included subjects currently treated for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Smokers and pregnant women were also excluded. We demonstrate that H 2 S can be detected in healthy volunteers (n=11) at 10.8 part per billion (ppb). Interestingly, there is a positive correlation between age and TAGS readings in male volunteers (r=0.614; n= 6) and a negative correlation in female volunteers (r=0.482, n=5). The TAGS device has the potential, therefore, to serve as a more sensitive, economical, and easy to use diagnostic tool to detect H 2 S and predict dermal blood flow.