Association between serum hydrogen sulfide concentrations and dysglycemia: a population-based study

Background and aim Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a signaling gasotransmitter, is involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Here, we aimed to assess the potential association between serum H2S and dysglycemia in the framework of a population-based study. Methods Adults men and women with completed data (n = 798), who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (2014-2017) were included in the study. Medians of fasting serum H2S concentration were compared across the glycemic status of the participants, defined as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), isolated impaired fasting glucose (IIFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IIGT), combined IFG-IGT, and normal glycemia [i.e., those with both normal fasting glucose (NFG) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT)]. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess potential associations between serum H2S and the defined glycemic status. Results Mean age of the participants was 45.1 +/- 14.0 y, and 48.1% were men. Prevalence of T2DM, IIFG, IIGT, and combined IFG-IGT was 13.9, 9.1, 8.1, and 4.8% respectively. No significant difference was observed in serum H2S concentrations between the groups. Lower serum H2S (< 39.6 mu mol/L) was associated with an increased chance of having IIGT (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.15-3.34) in the adjusted model. Conclusion Reduced serum H2S level may be associated with impaired glucose tolerance.