The Yin-Yang of sulfur dioxide: Effect on cognitive function

Abstract

Gaseous neurotransmitters drive numerous physiological processes, rendering important their study in pathophysiology. One such gasotransmitter, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), is abundantly produced by the cardiovascular system. SO₂ influences hemodynamics and vascular structure, protects from myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, myocardial injury, respiratory complications, and atherosclerosis. This being said, it is an air pollutant with central effects. Current effort is directed largely at elucidating the pathophysiological role of SO₂ in neurological conditions such as effects on aging, ischemic stroke, seizure, neurodegeneration, and memory loss. Newer studies examine its neuroprotective effect and the advantages of correcting SO₂ imbalance during oxidative stress and inflammation, in turn positively affecting cognition. A deep understanding of the molecular players in the pathophysiologic balance of SO₂, or lack thereof, may open therapeutic avenues into disorders of cognition and aging that stem from redox imbalance. This account portrays extant understanding of the role of SO₂ in neurocognition and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Keywords: Cognition; Gasotransmitter; Neuroinflammation; Oxidative stress; Sulfur dioxide.