Antimicrobial effects and mechanisms of hydrogen sulphide against nail pathogens
12 days ago
- #antimicrobial
- #hydrogen-sulphide
- #onychomycosis
- Nail infections are difficult to treat due to poor penetration of antifungals into the nail plate.
- Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) shows potent antimicrobial activity against fungi and bacteria causing nail infections, including drug-resistant strains.
- H₂S inhibits cytochrome C oxidase (COX), leading to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein S-sulfhydration, disrupting microbial metabolism.
- Gaseous H₂S is more effective than aqueous forms, with lower MIC values, especially at acidic pH.
- H₂S is effective against dermatophytes (e.g., Trichophyton rubrum) and some bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus), but less so against Gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Transcriptomic analysis reveals H₂S triggers oxidative stress responses and alters gene expression in Trichophyton rubrum.
- Topical H₂S donors (e.g., NaHS) could be a promising treatment for onychomycosis due to their nail-penetrating ability and novel mechanism of action.
- Safety considerations include minimal human cell toxicity at therapeutic doses and low inhalation risk with topical application.