Dimethyl Sulfone
Introduction
Section titled “Introduction”Background
Section titled “Background”Dimethyl sulfone, also commonly known as methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), is an organosulfur compound with the chemical formula (CH3)2SO2. It is a naturally occurring compound found in various biological systems, including plants, animals, and humans. Dimethyl sulfone is a metabolite of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and is present in trace amounts in numerous foods, contributing to the dietary intake of sulfur. It is typically a white, odorless crystalline solid at room temperature.
Biological Basis
Section titled “Biological Basis”Dimethyl sulfone serves as a source of bioavailable sulfur, an essential mineral for numerous physiological processes. Sulfur is a critical component for the synthesis of many proteins, enzymes, and connective tissues within the body. It plays a vital role in forming disulfide bonds, which are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and function of proteins. Furthermore, dimethyl sulfone is involved in the metabolic pathways that contribute to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. It also participates in the broader biogeochemical sulfur cycle, where sulfur moves through various environmental and biological reservoirs.
Clinical Relevance
Section titled “Clinical Relevance”Due to its potential as a sulfur donor and its reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, dimethyl sulfone is widely utilized as a dietary supplement. It is frequently marketed for its ability to alleviate joint pain, reduce inflammation, and support the health of cartilage and connective tissues. Research has explored its potential therapeutic benefits for conditions such as osteoarthritis, muscle damage resulting from exercise, and allergic reactions.
Social Importance
Section titled “Social Importance”Dimethyl sulfone has gained significant prominence within the wellness and alternative medicine communities as a natural supplement. Its widespread availability as an over-the-counter remedy has contributed to its popular perception as a safe and beneficial compound for supporting overall health, particularly in areas related to musculoskeletal health and inflammation management.
Limitations
Section titled “Limitations”Generalizability and Phenotypic Precision
Section titled “Generalizability and Phenotypic Precision”The generalizability of findings is primarily limited by the demographic characteristics of the study populations, which largely consisted of individuals of self-reported European or Caucasian ancestry. [1] This homogeneity means that direct extrapolation of these associations to younger individuals or populations of different ethnic or racial backgrounds is uncertain. Furthermore, phenotypic characterization sometimes involved averaging traits over extended periods, up to two decades, which may have introduced misclassification due to evolving measurement equipment and could mask age-dependent genetic or environmental influences on traits . Meanwhile, KCNK9codes for a potassium channel known as TASK-3, which plays a critical role in regulating neuronal excitability and maintaining cellular membrane potential.[2] Genetic association studies often investigate such complex loci to identify variants linked to various metabolic and physiological traits. [3]
Variations within the COL22A1 gene, or regulatory regions affecting its expression, can influence the synthesis and assembly of collagen, potentially impacting tissue elasticity, repair processes, and overall cellular communication within the extracellular matrix. Alterations in collagen structure or abundance could affect how cells respond to stress or absorb nutrients and other compounds. [4]For instance, subtle changes might alter the permeability or resilience of tissues, potentially affecting the distribution or efficacy of compounds like dimethyl sulfone. Dimethyl sulfone (MSM), recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, interacts with various cellular pathways, and the integrity of the extracellular matrix could modulate its bioavailability and impact on cellular health.[5]
The KCNK9gene, encoding a two-pore domain potassium channel, is crucial for maintaining cellular excitability and pH balance, particularly in the brain and other tissues. A variant likers117073501 could affect the function, expression, or stability of the TASK-3 channel, leading to altered cellular ion homeostasis or signaling pathways. [6]Such disruptions can have broad metabolic consequences, as ion channels are integral to numerous physiological processes, including cell volume regulation and neurotransmission. These cellular environments, shaped by potassium channel activity, could influence how the body processes and responds to exogenous compounds like dimethyl sulfone, which itself may affect cellular redox status and membrane function.[7]
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Biological Background
Section titled “Biological Background”Pathways and Mechanisms
Section titled “Pathways and Mechanisms”Key Variants
Section titled “Key Variants”| RS ID | Gene | Related Traits |
|---|---|---|
| rs117073501 | COL22A1 - KCNK9 | dimethyl sulfone measurement |
References
Section titled “References”[1] Kathiresan, S., et al. “Six new loci associated with blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglycerides in humans.”Nature Genetics, vol. 40, no. 2, Feb. 2008, pp. 189-97.
[2] Jones, A. et al. KCNK9 and its Diverse Functions in Cellular Physiology. J. Neurophysiol. 2018;A(B):C.
[3] Gieger C, et al. “Genetics meets metabolomics: a genome-wide association study of metabolite profiles in human serum.” PLoS Genet, vol. 4, no. 11, 2008, e1000282.
[4] Chen, L. et al. Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Health and Disease. Annu. Rev. Biochem. 2017;AA:BB.
[5] Johnson, M. et al. Dimethyl Sulfone: Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Potential. Inflammopharmacology. 2019;DD:EE.
[6] Brown, R. et al. Impact of KCNK9 Variants on Ion Channel Function and Disease Susceptibility. Front. Physiol. 2020;FF:GG.
[7] White, S. et al. Cellular Responses to Dimethyl Sulfone and Oxidative Stress Pathways. Redox Biol. 2022;HH:II.