TL:DR – Scientists have developed a life-saving antidote for exposure to the deadly gases hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of antidote development by creating a synthetic heme-model compound that has the potential to save lives in the event of simultaneous poisoning by carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, which are frequently encountered in building fires. The compound, which has been tested on mice, resulted in an impressive 85% survival rate and rapid recovery. The chemical group known as heme is at the heart of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in our blood, and various enzymes in our body.
The researchers, led by Qiyue Mao of Doshisha University in Kyotanabe, Kyoto, Japan, and her colleagues, have published their findings in the scientific paper “A synthetic porphyrin as an effective dual antidote against carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning.” The study shows that the antidote is highly effective and exhibits low toxicity. Moreover, the compound can be rapidly eliminated from the body through urinary excretion, making it an ideal antidote for emergency situations.
The fact that the synthetic heme-model compound is storable at room temperature is a significant advantage for emergency services, as it could be rapidly prepared and administered at the site of accidental exposure to fire-generated gases. The potential benefits of this discovery could be life-saving, and it represents a significant leap forward in the field of antidote development.
The compound was developed using porphyrin, a molecule that is known to bind to oxygen-carrying heme proteins in red blood cells. The synthetic heme-model compound mimics the structure of natural heme and binds to carbon monoxide and cyanide, preventing them from binding to the body’s own heme proteins. This mechanism of action makes the compound highly effective in treating poisoning by these deadly gases.
The findings of this study have significant implications for public health and emergency services. By providing a safe, effective, and easy-to-administer antidote, lives could be saved in emergency situations where carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide poisoning are a risk. The potential for this compound to be used in human patients is exciting and offers hope for those at risk of exposure to fire-generated gases.
Mao, Q. et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci, Feb 20, 2023
As an experiment, I used ChatGPT to edit the press release about this work from PNAS. The only changes I made were to add the sentence in italics at the end of the first paragraph, add the institution, and to change team to colleagues.