Instead of just enjoying nature, researchers recommend an unconventional approach: stopping to smell your farts. It might sound odd, but scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine believe that the gas responsible for that unpleasant, rotten-egg smell, known as hydrogen sulfide, could actually help protect aging brain cells against Alzheimer’s disease.
While this gas is toxic in large amounts, smaller doses might offer notable health benefits, as noted in a study published in a recent issue of the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences.
Dr. Bindu Paul, who led the study, explained that their findings link aging, neurodegeneration, and cellular signaling to hydrogen sulfide. The body produces small amounts of this gas naturally, which plays a role in regulating various bodily functions and aiding communication with the brain.
The researchers found that sulfhydration levels in the brain decrease with age, particularly in Alzheimer’s patients. Dr. Milos Filipovic, a collaborator, added that their method confirmed reduced sulfhydration in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s.
The study examined genetically modified mice that exhibited symptoms similar to human Alzheimer’s disease. These mice were injected with a compound that released hydrogen sulfide gradually. Over 12 weeks, tests showed significant improvements in both cognitive and motor functions. Specifically, the treated mice remembered platform locations better and were more active compared to untreated mice with simulated Alzheimer’s.
As the researchers noted, the introduction of hydrogen sulfide appeared to reverse some of the behavioral effects linked to Alzheimer’s. However, they also aimed to understand how the brain chemically responded to this gas.
They discovered that healthy levels of hydrogen sulfide affect an enzyme called glycogen synthase β (GSK3β). When hydrogen sulfide is low, GSK3β tends to bind excessively to another brain protein, Tau. This interaction leads to clumping inside nerve cells, which eventually hinders nerve communication and causes cell death—typical of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
“This understanding is crucial for developing therapies that could disrupt this link, much like hydrogen sulfide does,” Ph.D. student Daniel Giovinazzo explained. Just a few years ago, methods to simulate hydrogen sulfide production within cells were limited. Dr. Matt Whiteman noted that the compound used in this study shows promise in reversing some Alzheimer’s symptoms by correcting brain hydrogen sulfide levels.
