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Are the effects of α ‐glucosidase inhibitors on cardiovascular events related to elevated levels of hydrogen gas in the gastrointestinal tract?
Author(s) -
Suzuki Yoshihiko,
Sano Motoaki,
Hayashida Kentaro,
Ohsawa Ikuroh,
Ohta Shigeo,
Fukuda Keiichi
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.05.052
Subject(s) - acarbose , chemistry , flatulence , gastrointestinal tract , antioxidant , oxidative stress , pharmacology , biochemistry , medicine , enzyme
The major side‐effect of treatment with α ‐glucosidase inhibitors, flatulence, occurs when undigested carbohydrates are fermented by colonic bacteria, resulting in gas formation. We propose that the cardiovascular benefits of α ‐glucosidase inhibitors are partly attributable to their ability to neutralise oxidative stress via increased production of H 2 in the gastrointestinal tract. Acarbose, which is an α ‐glucosidase inhibitor, markedly increased H 2 production, with a weaker effect on methane production. Our hypothesis is based on our recent discovery that H 2 acts as a unique antioxidant, and that when inhaled or taken orally as H 2 ‐dissolved water it ameliorates ischaemia–reperfusion injury and atherosclerosis development.