Hydrogen sulfide, nitric oxide, and neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Nitric Oxide (NO) have become recognized as important gaseous signaling molecules with enormous pharmacological effects, therapeutic value, and central physiological roles. NO is one of the most important regulators of the pathophysiological condition in central nervous system (CNS). It is critical in the various functioning of the brain; however, beyond certain concentration/level, it is toxic. H2S was regarded as toxic gas with the smell like rotten egg. But, it is now regarded as emerging neuroprotectant and neuromodulator. Recently, the use of donors and inhibitors of these signaling molecules have helped us to identify their accurate and precise biological effects. The most abundant neurotransmitter of CNS (glutamate) is the initiator of the reaction that forms NO, and H2S is highly expressed in brain. These molecules are shedding light on the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders. This review is mainly focused on the importance of H2S and NO for normal functioning of CNS.

Diseases Related to Types of Free Radicals

“…The ROS is actively involved in the oxidative damage to amyloid beta peptides, marker in the Alzheimer's disease [55]. The most abundant neurotransmitter in central nervous system is glutamate which acts as the initiator of NO formation, and H 2 S is highly expressed in brain which is involved in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders [56].…”

H2s in the Neurodegeneration: A "Double-Faced Janus"

“…2. Предполагаемый механизм участия H 2 S в патогенезе нейродегенеративных заболеваний: «двуликий янус» [3,16,17,29,31,37,39,42]. ЦХО -цитохром с-оксидаза, UCP2 -митохондриальный разобщающий белок 2 Fig.…”

“…Известно, что в качестве сигнальной молекулы в ЦНС H 2 S принимает активное участие во многих физиологических процессах, взаимодействуя с опосредуемыми cAMP/PKA, ERK и PI3K/ Akt сигнальными путями, осуществляет нейропротекцию (в частности, посредством регуляции системы глутатиона, контроля высвобождения глутамата, противовоспалительного действия, антиапоптотического эффекта), вовлекается в процессы нейропередачи (взаимодействие с рецепторами глутамата и ГАМК) [3,16,17,29,31,37,41]. Кроме того, в настоящее время накоплен определенный массив данных, свидетельствующих о вовлечении H 2 S в патогенез ряда нейродегенеративных заболеваний.…”

The Roles of NO and H2S in Sperm Biology: Recent Advances and New Perspectives

“…With the discovery of the endogenous production of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) in rat and human brains [3], the term gasotransmitters emerged to set these three gases apart from the other known types of cellular messengers such as neurotransmitters and humoral factors [4]. Significant advances have been made in the area of gasotransmitters in the vascular [5,6], nervous [7,8], and digestive [9] systems. In contrast to the extensive literature available on NO [10,11], the role of H 2 S in male reproduction is less explored and deserves further attention [12].…”