May 3, 2024

Antidote Against Fire Gas Poisoning: Overcomes Simultaneous Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen Cyanide Poisoning

A group of scientists led by Professor Hiroaki Kitagishi from Doshisha University in Japan has developed an artificial heme-model substance called “hemoCD-Twins” that serves as an antidote for CO and HCN poisoning. The scientists information the development of this novel remedy in a recent research study post released in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The substance dissolves into two heme models in saline solution, with hemoCD-P capturing CO strongly and hemoCD-I scavenging CN- effectively.
Other than the flames, the burning products generate highly toxic carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gases, which can be fatal upon ingestion. As soon as breathed in, these gases bind strongly to hemoglobin, cytochromes, and iron containing compounds understood as “hemes,” and obstruct normal aerobic respiration. At present, there is no restorative approach offered to overcome simultaneous CO and HCN poisoning.
In a current development, a group of researchers led by Professor Hiroaki Kitagishi from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, Japan has actually established a synthetic heme-model substance called “hemoCD-Twins,” that acts as an antidote for CO and HCN poisoning. Prof. Kitagishi and his partners– Dr. Qiyue Mao from Doshisha University, Dr. Xuansu Zhao from the Building Research Institute, Japan, Dr. Akiko Kiriyama from Doshisha Womens College of Liberal Arts, Japan, and Dr. Roberto Motterlini from University Paris Est Creteil, France– have detailed the development of this unique remedy in their current research post released today (February 20, 2023) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). In saline option, hemoCD Twins liquifies into two heme models, of which hemoCD-P records CO really strongly, and hemoCD-I successfully scavenges CN–.
Extremely harmful CO and HCN are all at once launched throughout building fires. A brand-new heme substance acts called “hemoCD-Twins,” which is a mixture of heme-model compounds, rapidly expels CO and HCN from the body, serving as a powerful antidote. Credit: Prof. Hiroaki Kitagishi
What was the inspiration behind the development of this life-saving compound? Prof. Kitagishi recalls, “We have been studying artificial heme-model compounds (hemoCDs) for over 20 years. The series of hemoCDs, which consists of a mix of synthetic organic substances– porphyrin and cyclodextrins– has actually been our original heme-model system that understands the biological functions of hemes utilizing totally artificial materials. One fine morning during the course of our research, I started the idea that hemoCDs could be best utilized as remedies versus synchronised poisoning by CO and HCN.”

A group of researchers led by Professor Hiroaki Kitagishi from Doshisha University in Japan has actually established a synthetic heme-model substance called “hemoCD-Twins” that acts as an antidote for CO and HCN poisoning. In a recent breakthrough, a group of scientists led by Professor Hiroaki Kitagishi from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, Japan has actually developed a synthetic heme-model substance described “hemoCD-Twins,” that acts as an antidote for CO and HCN poisoning. A brand-new heme substance acts known as “hemoCD-Twins,” which is a mix of heme-model compounds, quickly expels CO and HCN from the body, acting as an effective antidote. One fine early morning throughout the course of our research, I embarked on the concept that hemoCDs could be best used as remedies versus synchronised poisoning by CO and HCN.”

The team has actually likewise shown hemoCD-Twins to be a fast and extremely efficient antidote versus CO and HCN synchronised poisoning in mice designs. They found that in mice, this compound resulted in an 85% survival rate and fast healing. This dual remedy exhibited extremely low toxicity and rapid removal by means of urinary excretion. In addition, hemoCD-Twins had an immediate antidotal effect, a high degree of safety, and storage stability.
How will this remedy effect our lives in the long run? Prof. Kitagishi muses, “This remedy will limit damage from gas poisoning brought on by sudden fires and can be tested for the treatment of various signs brought on by gas poisoning. With the conclusion of different non-clinical and medical trials, within 5– 10 years, we hope that hemoCD-Twins can be incorporated in ambulances, emergency healthcare facilities, and other centers. This method, future generations will have no need to fear abrupt fire gas poisoning. We will continue with non-clinical and scientific trials in cooperation with medical physicians in order to implement this compound as a therapeutic agent on the planet. For this function, we would like to request the cooperation from the general society.” Heres hoping that we see Prof. Kitagishis vision for hemoCD-Twins to be used as an effective remedy come to life!
Referral: “An artificial porphyrin as an effective double remedy against carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning” 20 February 2023, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.DOI: 10.1073/ pnas.2209924120.
About Professor Hiroaki Kitagishi from Doshisha University, Japan.
His research focuses on Porphyrin, Cyclodextrin, Heme, CO, Supramolecular Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry, Life sciences and Biomaterials. He earned his bachelors, masters and Ph.D. from Doshisha University, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Graduate School of Materials Science, Department of Materials Science and Doshisha University respectively.
Financing info.
This work was economically supported by MEXT/JSPS KAKENHI (Grant No. JP20H02871 and JP21K20543), Translational Research Program from Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (22ym0126814j0001), the Uehara Memorial Foundation, and Takahashi Industrial and Economic Research Foundation.

The group has actually also demonstrated hemoCD-Twins to be a extremely efficient and fast remedy versus CO and HCN simultaneous poisoning in mice designs.