Sulfur-Containing Amino Acids, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Sulfur Compounds on Kidney Health and Disease

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a decisive role in kidney health and disease. H2S can ben synthesized via enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways, as well as gut microbial origins. Kidney disease can originate in early life induced by various maternal insults throughout the process, namely renal programming. Sulfur-containing amino acids and sulfate are essential in normal pregnancy and fetal development. Dysregulated H2S signaling behind renal programming is linked to deficient nitric oxide, oxidative stress, the aberrant renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. In animal models of renal programming, treatment with sulfur-containing amino acids, N-acetylcysteine, H2S donors, and organosulfur compounds during gestation and lactation could improve offspring’s renal outcomes. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding sulfide/sulfate implicated in pregnancy and kidney development, current evidence supporting the interactions between H2S signaling and underlying mechanisms of renal programming, and recent advances in the beneficial actions of sulfide-related interventions on the prevention of kidney disease. Modifying H2S signaling is the novel therapeutic and preventive approach to reduce the global burden of kidney disease; however, more work is required to translate this into clinical practice.

Amino Acids during Pregnancy and Offspring Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic Health

“…Recognized as a rate-limiting factor in the synthesis of glutathione [69], cysteine plays a crucial role in cellular processes. Experimental studies have employed cysteine supplementation to generate endogenous H 2 S [154]. While early post-weaning cysteine supplementation has been stated to augment the H 2 S signaling pathway and avert hypertension in high-salt-treated SHRs [155], to date, only one study has evaluated the protective actions of gestational cysteine supplementation in a maternal CKD model [130].…”

Hydrogen Sulfide: An Emerging Regulator of Oxidative Stress and Cellular Homeostasis—A Comprehensive One-Year Review

“…These are cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). These enzymes are strategically distributed in various mammalian tissues, emphasizing the widespread influence of H 2 S [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”