Sulfite Hypersensitivity. A Critical Review

Abstract

Sulfiting agents (sulfur dioxide and the sodium and potassium salts of bisulfite, sulfite, and metabisulfite) are widely used as preservatives in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Within the past 5 years, there have been numerous reports of adverse reactions to sulfiting agents. This review presents a comprehensive compilation and discussion of reports describing reactions to ingested, inhaled, and parenterally administered sulfite. Sulfite hypersensitivity is usually, but not exclusively, found within the chronic asthmatic population. Although there is some disagreement on its prevalence, a number of studies have indicated that 5 to 10% of all chronic asthmatics are sulfite hypersensitive. This review also describes respiratory sulfur dioxide sensitivity which essentially all asthmatics experience. Possible mechanisms of sulfite hypersensitivity and sulfur dioxide sensitivity are discussed in detail. Sulfite metabolism and the role of sulfite oxidase in the detoxification of exogenous sulfite are reviewed in relationship to the etiology of sulfite hypersensitivity.

Nitric Oxide: Probably the <i>in Vivo</i> Mediator of the Bisulfite’s Effects

“…In fact, the fast and marked fading of the solution (pink color), and the intense EPR-signal of the NO-Fe(DETC) 2 , proved the involvement of the bisulfite, Scheme 2(b). As a matter of fact, the very low rate of the S-N bond homolysis in these experimental conditions would not be able to account for this result [13], Scheme 2(a).…”

“…All experiments were conducted at room temperature with commercial products except GSNO, S-nitrosoglutathione, which was synthesized as reported in the literature [16], and the Fe 2+ (DETC) 2 , iron (II) N, N-diethyldithiocarbamate, which was synthesized as follows: 25 mL of a water solution of diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC), 20 mmol/L, were added to 100 mL of a water solution of FeSO 4 •7H 2 O, 10 mmol/L, over a 60-min period. The mixture was stirred for two hours and the precipitate, Fe 2+ (DETC) 2 , collected by filtration, washed several times with water, and dried under vacuum; all processes were conducted in a rigorous nitrogen atmosphere.…”

“…The mixture was stirred for two hours and the precipitate, Fe 2+ (DETC) 2 , collected by filtration, washed several times with water, and dried under vacuum; all processes were conducted in a rigorous nitrogen atmosphere.…”

“…To compare the efficiency of the processes a quantitation of the NO released, via quantitative measurements of NO-Fe(DETC) 2 , was conducted according to the following procedure.…”

Evaluation of mTOR signaling pathway proteins in rat gastric mucosa exposed to sulfite and ghrelin

“…It should not be forgotten that the recommended daily sulfite intake is 19 mg. The sulfite oral intake at 163 mg/kg SDE in 99% of population has been reported (14). It has also been argued that sulfite and its derivatives cause DNA damage in numerous organs of mice and rats (15).…”