Biosynthesis, Quantification and Genetic Diseases of the Smallest Signaling Thiol Metabolite: Hydrogen Sulfide

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter and the smallest signaling thiol metabolite with important roles in human health. The turnover of H2S in humans is mainly governed by enzymes of sulfur amino acid metabolism and also by the microbiome. As is the case with other small signaling molecules, disease-promoting effects of H2S largely depend on its concentration and compartmentalization. Genetic defects that impair the biogenesis and catabolism of H2S have been described; however, a gap in knowledge remains concerning physiological steady-state concentrations of H2S and their direct clinical implications. The small size and considerable reactivity of H2S renders its quantification in biological samples an experimental challenge. A compilation of methods currently employed to quantify H2S in biological specimens is provided in this review. Substantial discrepancy exists in the concentrations of H2S determined by different techniques. Available methodologies permit end-point measurement of H2S concentration, yet no definitive protocol exists for the continuous, real-time measurement of H2S produced by its enzymatic sources. We present a summary of available animal models, monogenic diseases that impair H2S metabolism in humans including structure-function relationships of pathogenic mutations, and discuss possible approaches to overcome current limitations of study.

Impact of the Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota on Cardiovascular Health and Pathophysiology

“…The determination of H 2 S concentration has been challenging due to its reactivity with a wide range of low and high molecular weight targets. 126 The optimization of quantification methods is ongoing for accurately determining H 2 S concentrations of biological samples. 104,126 A recently published detailed review about the occurrence and detection of H 2 S in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, etc), sulfide sensitive fluorescent probes, ion selective electrodes, and polarographic (amperometric) electrodes.…”

“…126 The optimization of quantification methods is ongoing for accurately determining H 2 S concentrations of biological samples. 104,126 A recently published detailed review about the occurrence and detection of H 2 S in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, etc), sulfide sensitive fluorescent probes, ion selective electrodes, and polarographic (amperometric) electrodes. 126 Pharmacological Treatments and Lifestyle-Related Factors Drug-Induced Dysbiosis as a Trigger of Cardiovascular Toxicity…”

“…The determination of H 2 S concentration has been challenging due to its reactivity with a wide range of low and high molecular weight targets. 126 The optimization of quantification methods is ongoing for accurately determining H 2 S concentrations of biological samples. 104,126 A recently published detailed review about the occurrence and detection of H 2 S in biological compartments gives an elaborate and clear description of recent quantification methods of H 2 S, 126 which include the monobromobimane assay, spectrophotometric methods (direct UV detection, Zinc Trap/Methylene blue, etc), chromatographic methods (gas chromatography/ion chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, etc), sulfide sensitive fluorescent probes, ion selective electrodes, and polarographic (amperometric) electrodes.…”

“…biological compartments gives an elaborate and clear description of recent quantification methods of H 2 S,126 which include the monobromobimane assay, spectrophotometric methods (direct UV detection, Zinc Trap/Methylene blue, etc), chromatographic methods (gas chromatography/ion chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography,…”

Radiolysis Studies of Oxidation and Nitration of Tyrosine and Some Other Biological Targets by Peroxynitrite-Derived Radicals

“…Hydrogen sulfide (here the term hydrogen sulfide includes both the undissociated (H 2 S) and deprotonated (HS -) species (pKa = 6.98)) [89] is a signaling molecule that can be generated endogenously or exogenously administered [90][91][92]. It participates in several physiological functions including blood vessel relaxation and blood pressure regulation, control of insulin secretion and in the immune system, also presenting anti-apoptosis, antiinflammation, and anti-oxidative stress effects [93].…”