Modeling of Production and Elimination of Hydrogen and Methane in the Human Body

Abstract

The study presents a three-compartment mathematical model of hydrogen and methane production and elimination in the large intestine. The intestinal compartment takes into account the metabolic processes of carbohydrate-utilizing bacteria (hydrogen producers), acetogenic bacteria, and methane producers. The model also includes a highly perfused compartment and a lung compartment through which hydrogen and methane pass into the alveolar space. The model allows for the estimation of the number of microorganisms producing hydrogen and methane in the small intestine based on their concentrations. The aim of the research is to develop a mathematical model that links the concentration of gases in exhaled air with the bacteria that produce them. The model should correspond to the practical measurements. The dynamic model obtained in the study is consistent with the literature sources. The numerical calculations of hydrogen and methane concentrations in exhaled air correspond to practical measurements.

Keywords

• human colon modelling
• hydrogen and methane in breath
• microbiom gas production and elimination