氫分子醫學的新啟示：一些臨床藥物的奇怪作用

Are the effects of 

α -glucosidase inhibitors on cardiovascular events related to elevated levels of hydrogen gas in the gastrointestinal tract?

Abstract

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 ₂in the gastrointestinal tract. Acarbose, which is an α -glucosidase inhibitor, markedly increased H ₂production, with a weaker effect on methane production. Our hypothesis is based on our recent discovery that H ₂acts as a unique antioxidant, and that when inhaled or taken orally as H ₂-dissolved water it ameliorates ischaemia–reperfusion injury and atherosclerosis development.

Keywords: α -Glucosidase inhibitors; Type 2 diabetes; Hydrogen gas; Antioxidant

Article Outline

1. Introduction

2. Molecular hydrogen (H ₂) acts as a novel antioxidant

3. Unexpected benefit of flatulence caused by α -glucosidase inhibitors

4. Conclusion

Conflict of interest statement

Acknowledgements

References