Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is a distinctive organosulfur compound recognized for its unique properties as a polar aprotic solvent. It readily dissolves both polar and nonpolar substances and is miscible with water and a wide range of organic solvents. Beyond its industrial applications, DMSO has found uses in veterinary medicine, as a cryoprotectant to preserve biological cells and tissues, and as a research chemical. In human medicine, it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating interstitial cystitis, a bladder condition.
Understanding DMSO’s Presence
Dimethyl Sulfoxide is known for its rapid absorption into the body, whether administered orally, topically, or through other routes. Once absorbed, it quickly distributes throughout various bodily tissues.
The parent compound, DMSO, typically has a relatively short half-life in the human bloodstream, often ranging from about 6.8 hours to 15 hours. However, its primary metabolite, dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2), persists for a considerably longer duration.
DMSO2 can begin to appear in the blood within two hours of DMSO administration. This metabolite can remain detectable in the system for an extended period, with studies indicating clearance around 120 hours, or five days, after the last dose of DMSO. The half-life of DMSO2 in the blood has been calculated to be approximately 38 to 56.8 hours.
How the Body Processes DMSO
The body processes DMSO primarily through metabolic pathways that occur in the liver. During this process, DMSO undergoes transformation into two main compounds: dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2) and dimethyl sulfide (DMS). DMSO2 is formed through an oxidation reaction, while DMS is a product of reduction.
Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is a volatile compound responsible for the characteristic garlic-like odor often noticed on the breath and skin of individuals who have used DMSO. DMS is rapidly exhaled through the lungs or excreted through the skin. In contrast, dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2) is a more stable metabolite with a significantly longer half-life. Both unmetabolized DMSO and its metabolite DMSO2 are predominantly excreted from the body through the kidneys in urine, with some elimination also occurring through feces.
Factors Influencing Retention
Several factors can influence how long DMSO and its metabolites remain in an individual’s system. The dosage and frequency of DMSO administration play a significant role. Higher doses or more frequent applications can lead to increased accumulation and, consequently, longer retention times for both DMSO and DMSO2 in the body.
Individual physiological differences greatly impact the body’s ability to process and excrete DMSO. Factors such as liver and kidney function are important, as these organs are primarily responsible for metabolizing and eliminating the compounds. An individual’s overall health status, metabolic rate, and genetic variations can also affect how efficiently DMSO and its metabolites are cleared. Proper hydration levels can support the kidneys in their excretory functions, potentially aiding in the more efficient removal of these substances from the body.
Identifying DMSO in the Body
The presence of DMSO and its metabolites in the body can be identified using specific analytical techniques. Common methods include gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Biological samples typically used for detection include urine, blood (or serum), and breath. GC-MS, for instance, can accurately measure both the parent compound, DMSO, and its longer-lived metabolite, DMSO2, in urine samples. This allows for confirmation of exposure and assessment of the substance’s clearance from the system over time.