Abstract

The major side-effect of treatment with α-glucosidase inhibitors, flatulence, occurs when undigested carbohydrates are fermented by colonic bacteria, resulting in gas formation. We propose that the cardiovascular benefits of α-glucosidase inhibitors are partly attributable to their ability to neutralise oxidative stress via increased production of H₂ in the gastrointestinal tract. Acarbose, which is an α-glucosidase inhibitor, markedly increased H₂ production, with a weaker effect on methane production. Our hypothesis is based on our recent discovery that H₂ acts as a unique antioxidant, and that when inhaled or taken orally as H₂-dissolved water it ameliorates ischaemia–reperfusion injury and atherosclerosis development.

Keywords: α-Glucosidase inhibitors; Type 2 diabetes; Hydrogen gas; Antioxidant

Article Outline

1. Introduction

2. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) acts as a novel antioxidant

3. Unexpected benefit of flatulence caused by α-glucosidase inhibitors

4. Conclusion

Conflict of interest statement

Acknowledgements

References

Corresponding author. Address: Department of Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan. Fax: +81 3 5363 3875.

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