#hydrogensulfide

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Hydrogen Sulfide’s Role in Liver Function and Obesity

A new study has revealed that delivering hydrogen sulfide therapy directly to cells could pave the way for innovative treatments for obesity and related diseases. Conducted by researchers from Jagiellonian University Medical College in Poland and the University of Exeter in the UK, the study highlights the critical role of hydrogen sulfide in regulating liver function. Previous research indicates that small amounts of hydrogen sulfide can influence how the liver processes fat, but scientists have yet to find a method to target this process effectively. In addition to regulating fat, hydrogen sulfide impacts mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of cells responsible for energy generation.

The research, published in Pharmacological Research, builds on earlier findings, suggesting that the delivery of hydrogen sulfide could offer a new way to manage fat metabolism and energy production in cells. The therapy could potentially provide a new treatment option for obesity, a growing global health crisis.

Study Shows Reduced Weight Gain in Mice

The study involved feeding mice a high-fat diet and injecting them with AP39, a compound developed to deliver hydrogen sulfide therapy directly to mitochondria. The results were promising—over the 12-week study period, the rate of weight gain in treated mice was significantly reduced by 32%. The treatment also reduced fat accumulation in the liver, a condition often associated with obesity that can lead to inflammation and other health complications.

AP39, invented at the University of Exeter and now owned by its spin-out company MitoRX Therapeutics, showed additional benefits in mice. It reduced the activity of processes in the liver responsible for creating harmful fats and proteins, and it regulated important signals that could otherwise harm the liver. Furthermore, AP39 suppressed the liver’s production of new fats by inhibiting a key metabolic pathway known as mTOR/SREBP1/NF-kB, which contributes to fat synthesis.

Potential for New Obesity and Diabetes Treatments

The research has far-reaching implications for the treatment of obesity and related conditions like type 2 diabetes. Professor Matt Whiteman from the University of Exeter Medical School, a co-author of the study, first began exploring the potential of hydrogen sulfide in 2004. His initial work showed that people with type 2 diabetes who were overweight had lower levels of hydrogen sulfide in their blood, which was linked to poor sugar control and insulin resistance. This suggested that replacing lost sulfide could reverse some of the negative health effects of obesity.

Professor Whiteman commented, “These early findings suggest that hydrogen sulfide therapy could play a role in treating obesity and diabetes. If our results in mice translate to humans, we may be looking at an exciting new option for treatment.” Lead author Dr. Aneta Stachowicz from Jagiellonian University echoed these sentiments, stating that the results mark the beginning of a new therapeutic approach for metabolic diseases.

Caught in the ACT

New Amgas Capture Technology (ACT) eliminates harmful emissions during Shutdown and Turnarounds 

Fort McMurray, AB (February 2014) AMGAS Services Inc (AMGAS) launches the AMGAS Capture Technology (ACT) line of products and services to mitigate the dangers of BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes) and hydrocarbon emissions during shutdowns and turnarounds. With new information on the dangers of BTEX and hydrocarbon exposure to worker’s long-term and short-term health, the need to control these emissions have never been more important.

Functioning as an additional level of protection for personnel, the ACT product line joins AMGAS’s full service program to safely control hazardous emissions. BTEX and other Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are almost always present in turnaround operations, even more common than the presence of Hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Large-scale emission control projects demand high volume BTEX and noxious odor control. The technology used in ACT products and services have the capacity to meet this demand while remaining reliable and a cost effective addition to more standard H2S removal services.

“ACT is in direct response to our client needs,” says Steve Martinson, General Manager at AMGAS. “We are fortunate that our in-house research and development department has a track record of creating innovative technologies like ACT so we can better provide solutions for our clients. ACT covers all the bases so workers know their health and safety are not being compromised”

Treating H2S during shutdowns and turnarounds to mitigate risks is the foundation of AMGAS’s business. AMGAS treats sour oil and gas at all stages of the shutdown and turnaround process. Similar to H2S, BTEX, hydrocarbon and other VOC’s can be naturally occurring and also created during production. The new technology is an enhancement of AMGAS expertise to treat BTEX emissions to increase safety, cut downtime and decrease costs.

“We are excited to add ACT to the list of service profiles for turnarounds and shutdowns,” says Martinson. “The technology has a bright future. We know down the road ACT will be a major player in all our service lines.”

AMGAS offers a wide range of services, including H2S and BTEX removal and control measures aimed at mitigating the dangers associated with processing sour oil and natural gas. AMGAS offers truck loading, fluid treatment and tank venting, which are all serviced by trained professionals.

  About AMGAS

Ready Set Go!

AMGAS launches “Ready Service” self-contained Mobile H2S and Emission Control service for Shutdown and Turnaround Operations

  Fort McMurray, AB (February 25, 2013) AMGAS Service Inc (AMGAS), a full service H2S and other noxious emissions treatment company launches Ready Service, a mobile and fully self-contained service requiring no external power source.

  Ready Service utilizes a patented technology that is versatile with various applications from pressure bleed downs to vacuum truck venting. The service provides all in one emission control and management of fluid treatment for continuous plant maintenance and day-to-day emission control. AMGAS operates at the intersection of service, chemical and equipment and Ready Service maintains the same standards adding additional mobility and accessibility. Representatives of AMGAS will be attending the Shutdowns Superconference in Fort McMurray February 26 and 27 to showcase the new technology.

  “The most important considerations during Shutdowns and Turnarounds when H2S is present are safety, accessibility, cost and limiting downtime,” says Steve Martinson General Manager of AMGAS. “Ready Service is designed to meet all these needs maintaining the highest level of safety demanded by industry leaders.”

  Through development of a mobile, versatile and self-sufficient platform, AMGAS has created a new way to provide flexible pricing options for H2S and emission control for companies. Ready Service provides chemical optimization, waste reduction, rapid deployment and withdrawal designed to meet the challenging demands of plant shutdowns and ongoing maintenance.

  Sour fluids and vapors present during Shutdowns and Turnarounds lead to escalating costs and increased downtime. Ready Service is a turnkey solution that is highly accessible and mobile using innovative technology and processes to enhance onsite plant treatment while ensuring worker safety.

  “We see that mobilization time is so important during turnover operations and our clients need us to be ready now for operations onsite,” says Martinson. “Ready Service mobilizes our full service, 24 hours, 365 days a year expert services.”

      About AMGAS

AMGAS is a Canadian corporation with offices across Western Canada, the US and in the Middle East and has been a leader in H2S treatment since the late 1980s. Safely handling H2S requires trained experts using dependable and innovative equipment, chemicals and processes. AMGAS operates at the intersection of chemicals, equipment and service. They take pride in working closely with their clients to ensure safety on site and provide expert assistance for all H2S and BTEX treatments.  For more information, please go to www.am-gas.com.