Correlation between serum H2S and pulmonary function in children with bronchial asthma

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has generated recent research interest because of its potential function as an inflammatory mediator. Despite its apparent functions in vascular smooth muscle, an important player in airway remodeling in asthma, little research has been done to assess the role of H2S in the pathogenesis of asthma. To determine whether serum H2S concentration is correlated with pulmonary function in children with asthma, we measured serum H2S concentration and pulmonary function indices (FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEF25-75, MEF50 and MEF25) in 64 children with asthma and 60 healthy children. Pearson's correlation was used to determine the relationship between serum H2S concentration and lung function parameters. Compared to healthy children, both serum H2S concentration and all lung function parameters were significantly decreased in children with asthma (P<0.05). Furthermore, serum H2S concentration was positively correlated with lung function indices (P<0.05). Thus, decreasing levels of H2S in the serum may be used to indicate decreasing lung function. Further investigation into the causality behind these findings is required.