https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2016.048
Published: Kem. Ind. 66 (11-12) (2017) 617–631
Paper reference number: KUI-48/2016
Paper type: Review
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Inorganic Sulphur Compounds in the Human Body. I. Oxo Compounds.

S. Stanković and R. Kiralj

Abstract

Sulphur is, after calcium and phosphorus, the most abundant element in the human body, where it can be found in numerous inorganic and organic compounds, and in very small amounts in elementary state. This review presents inorganic sulphur compounds from the class of endogenous oxo compounds present in the human body, which are primarily produced in enzymatic and non-enzymatic biosynthethic pathways in cells or in extracellular matrix. Sulphates, thiosulphates, μ-disulphido-bis(trioxosulphates)(2–) (tetrathionates), sulphites, hydrosulphites, sulphonates and disulphites of the most abundant metals in the organism (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺) as well as sulphur dioxide, are described. The anions and SO₂ are endogenous non-radical sulphur species which exist in significant concentrations in body fluids, in which they have specific physiological, pathological, metabolic, detoxifying, and other roles. They are mutually connected by metabolic pathways of sulphur compounds. While the sulphate ion is a common component of electrolytes and is a source of sulphur, the thiosulphate ion has several protective roles and is an important metabolite, and the anions produced by the reaction of SO₂ with water are also important metabolic intermediates. Newer researches have identified roles of sulphur dioxide as a novel signal molecule, and of the anion μ-disulphido-bis(trioxosulphate)(2–) as a metabolite generated in intestinal inflammation. Investigations on the described class of sulphur compounds and their roles in the human body are obviously not terminated and therefore, still may bring important and unexpected knowledge.

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Keywords

elemental sulphur, sulphates, thiosulphates, tetrathionates, sulphur dioxide, sulphites