What Is Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)? Other Names: Dimethylis Sulfoxidum, Methyl Sulphoxide, NSC-763

What is Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a highly polar organic solvent with a wide range of applications in medical and scientific research. It is known for its ability to penetrate biological membranes, making it a valuable vehicle for drug delivery and a subject of interest in various therapeutic contexts. Other names include: Dimethylis Sulfoxidum, Dimethyl Sulfoxide, Dimethyl Sulphoxide, Dimethylsulfoxide, Diméthylsulfoxyde, Dimetilsulfóxido, DMSO, Methyl Sulphoxide, NSC-763, SQ-9453, Sulfoxyde de Diméthyl, Sulphinybismethane.

Medical Applications of Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)

Skin Flap Viability

DMSO has been shown to improve the viability of skin flaps in surgical procedures. A study involving patients undergoing mastectomy and inguinal lymphadenectomy demonstrated that the topical application of 60% DMSO significantly reduced the area of skin flap ischemia compared to a control group1. This suggests that DMSO can be beneficial in reducing tissue necrosis and promoting healing in surgical patients.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

DMSO exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which have been explored in various contexts. For instance, joint lavage with DMSO in horses with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced synovitis showed a significant reduction in inflammatory biomarkers such as white blood cell counts and prostaglandin E2 levels2. This indicates that DMSO can mitigate inflammation in joint diseases.

Fat Graft Survival

In the context of autologous fat grafting, DMSO has been found to enhance graft survival and volume preservation. A study on rats revealed that cutaneous administration of DMSO improved the vascularity of fat grafts and reduced inflammation, leading to better graft outcomes3.

Muscle Healing

DMSO, when used in combination with therapeutic pulsed ultrasound (TPU), has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve muscle healing after trauma. This combination therapy decreased markers of oxidative damage and enhanced the recovery of injured muscle tissue in rats4.

Neuroprotection

DMSO has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in models of spinal cord injury. In a study on rabbits, DMSO administration prior to ischemia-reperfusion injury resulted in better neurological outcomes and reduced biochemical markers of tissue damage5. This suggests potential applications in the treatment of spinal cord injuries.

Tissue Protection

DMSO has also been investigated for its ability to protect against tissue necrosis caused by chemotherapeutic agents like Adriamycin. Topical application of DMSO reduced the incidence and size of ulcers resulting from Adriamycin extravasation in rats, likely due to its free radical scavenging properties6.

Cryopreservation

In the field of cryopreservation, DMSO is commonly used as a cryoprotectant for hematopoietic stem cells. A clinical trial comparing DMSO alone to a combination of DMSO and hydroxyethylstarch (HES) found that the combination cryoprotectant led to faster recovery of white blood cell counts in patients undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation7.

Reperfusion Injury

DMSO has been tested for its effects on reperfusion injury following cardiorespiratory arrest. Although the results were not statistically significant, DMSO-treated rats showed a trend towards improved survival rates compared to controls8.

Pain Management

DMSO has been evaluated for its efficacy in treating complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I). A randomized controlled trial found that DMSO was as effective as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in improving symptoms, with some differences in effectiveness based on the type of CRPS I (warm vs. cold)9.

Peripheral Nerve Repair

Research on peripheral nerve repair in rats has shown that DMSO can enhance nerve regeneration. Local administration of DMSO resulted in better functional recovery and histopathological outcomes compared to intraperitoneal administration or no treatment10.

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Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) Chemical Properties and Mechanism of Action

DMSO is a sulfur-containing compound with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂SO. It is characterized by its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds, which contributes to its versatility as a solvent. DMSO’s unique properties allow it to interact with cell membranes, facilitating the transport of other molecules into cells1 2.

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Adverse Effects of Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)

Inflammatory Response in Joints

DMSO can increase white blood cell counts and concentrations of inflammatory markers such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in synovial fluid, indicating an inflammatory response in joints1.

Lack of Significant Impact on Survival Post-Resuscitation

In a study on rats, DMSO did not significantly improve survival rates after cardiorespiratory arrest and resuscitation compared to a saline solution, suggesting limited efficacy in this context2.

Potential Neuroprotective Effects with Non-Significant Statistical Results

DMSO showed some neuroprotective effects in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbits, such as better preservation of spinal cord tissue and lower levels of oxidative stress markers. However, these differences were not statistically significant3.

No Significant Adverse Effects on Normal Articular Tissues

Intra-articular injection of DMSO in horses did not show significant adverse effects on normal articular structures, including synovial fluid, synovial membrane, and articular cartilage4.

Inhibition of Oxidative Stress in Liver Regeneration

DMSO administration inhibited oxidative stress markers in the liver and plasma but did not significantly affect liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats5.

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How has Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) Improved Patient Outcomes?

Reduction of Skin Flap Ischemia

Topical application of DMSO significantly reduces skin flap ischemia in patients undergoing surgeries such as mastectomy and inguinal lymphadenectomy, leading to better surgical outcomes1.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Treatment

DMSO is effective in treating CRPS type I, particularly in patients with warm CRPS, improving lower extremity function and overall patient outcomes2.

Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS)

Intravesical instillation of DMSO combined with hydrodistension is effective in improving symptoms and maintaining treatment efficacy in patients with IC/BPS with Hunner’s lesions3.

DMSO shows comparable effectiveness to other treatments like bupivacaine, triamcinolone, and heparin in newly diagnosed IC/PBS, with significant symptom improvement4.

Cryopreservation in Stem Cell Transplantation

DMSO, especially when combined with hydroxyethylstarch (HES), enhances the recovery of white blood cell counts and reduces the time to discontinue antibiotic use in patients undergoing autologous blood stem cell transplantation5.

Autologous Fat Graft Survival

DMSO administration, particularly cutaneous, improves the survival and volume preservation of autologous fat grafts by enhancing vascularity and reducing inflammation6.

Muscle Healing and Oxidative Stress

DMSO, when used with therapeutic pulsed ultrasound (TPU), reduces oxidative stress and improves muscle healing after trauma7.

Reperfusion Injury Post-Cardiorespiratory Arrest

DMSO does not significantly improve long-term survival rates in rats after cardiorespiratory arrest and resuscitation compared to vehicle-treated groups8.

Photodynamic Therapy for Basal Cell Carcinoma

DMSO enhances the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) for treating superficial basal cell carcinoma, achieving high cure rates and good cosmetic outcomes9.

Joint Lavage in Synovitis

Joint lavage with 10% DMSO in lactated Ringer’s solution shows anti-inflammatory effects in horses with LPS-induced synovitis, although it does not provide chondroprotective benefits10.

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Common Complaints Associated with Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) Use

Skin Irritation and Discomfort

Patients using DMSO for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS I) reported skin irritation and discomfort as common side effects1.

Inflammatory Response

In a study on horses, joint lavage with DMSO led to an initial increase in inflammatory markers such as white blood cell counts and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6) before showing a decrease, indicating an initial inflammatory response2.

Odor and Taste

DMSO is known for its strong garlic-like odor and taste, which can be unpleasant for patients and those around them1.

Potential for Skin Necrosis

While DMSO has been shown to reduce skin flap ischemia in surgical patients, there is a potential risk for skin necrosis if not used properly3.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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