Search for novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for inflammatory disease

Hydrogen sulfide is a toxic gas, which is an environmental and industrial pollutant. In recent years, however, it has been shown that this gas is also synthesized in the body, and acts as a potent vasodilator. Substance P is an 11 amino acid neuropeptide from the tachykinin family, and acts as a mediator of pain. We have shown that hydrogen sulfide and substance P act as mediators of inflammation in different disease conditions, such as acute pancreatitis, sepsis, and severe burn injuries. Acute pancreatitis, sepsis, and severe burn injuries are all major health problems, in which systemic inflammatory response syndrome can lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and death. Based on pre-clinical studies with in vivo experimental models of disease, we now have a good understanding of the contribution of hydrogen sulfide and substance P to inflammation. We have recently shown a key role of hydrogen sulfide and substance P in clinical inflammatory diseases, demonstrating the translational potential of our pre-clinical research. For example, hydrogen sulfide and substance P can serve as novel biomarkers for sepsis. These studies can lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for several clinical conditions, which are major health problems. Our early research has shown that this knowledge can be taken from the bench to the bedside.