The benefits of smelling your own farts according to science

Instead of pausing to enjoy the scent of flowers, researchers suggest considering your own flatulence. While it may sound unpleasant, scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine indicate that the gas responsible for the rotten-egg odor, called hydrogen sulfide, may play a role in protecting brain cells from Alzheimers disease.

Although hydrogen sulfide is toxic in large amounts, small doses could provide notable health benefits, the researchers reported in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science.

Our findings strongly connect aging, neurodegeneration, and cellular signaling through hydrogen sulfide and other gaseous molecules, stated Dr. Bindu Paul, the studys lead scientist. The human body naturally produces low levels of hydrogen sulfide, which helps regulate various bodily functions and supports communication between cells and the brain.

Hydrogen sulfide modifies proteins through a process known as chemical sulfhydration. According to co-author Dr. Solomon Snyder, the brains sulfhydration levels decline with age, a trend especially noticeable in Alzheimers patients.

Dr. Milos Filipovic added, We now confirm that sulfhydration decreases in Alzheimers disease-affected brains.

In their experiments, researchers used genetically modified mice designed to mimic human Alzheimers disease. The mice were given a hydrogen sulfide-releasing compound called NaGYY, which gradually distributed hydrogen sulfide throughout their bodies. Over 12 weeks, the mice were tested for memory and motor performance.

The treated mice demonstrated a 50% improvement in cognitive and physical functions compared to untreated mice. They were better at remembering platform locations and were more physically active than their untreated counterparts.

Researchers explored how the brain chemically responded to hydrogen sulfide. They discovered that this gas affects an enzyme called glycogen synthase (GSK3). Normally, GSK3 serves as a signaling molecule, but without sufficient hydrogen sulfide, it binds excessively to the protein Tau. This interaction leads to the formation of clumps inside nerve cells, blocking communication and eventually causing cell death.

These tangles contribute to the cognitive and motor decline seen in Alzheimers disease, explained Ph.D. student Daniel Giovinazzo, the studys first author. Understanding this sequence is crucial for developing therapies that can block this harmful interaction, similar to hydrogen sulfides effect.

Until recently, scientists lacked methods to replicate the bodys natural production of hydrogen sulfide in cells. The compound used here corrects brain hydrogen sulfide levels, successfully reversing some features of Alzheimers disease, said collaborator Dr. Matt Whiteman.

Author: Lucas Grant