The biologic effect of hydrogen sulfide and its function in various diseases

Abstract

Introduction:Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a colorless, water soluble, flammable gas with a characteristic smell of rotten eggs, has been known as a highly toxic gas for several years. However, much like carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO), the initial negative perception of H2S has developed with the discovery that H2S is generated enzymatically in animals under normal conditions. With the result of this discovery, much more work is needed to elucidate the biologic effects of H2S. In recent years, its cytoprotective properties have been recognized in multiple organs and tissues. In particular, H2S plays important roles in combating oxidative species such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and protect the body from oxidative stress. Therefore, this review discusses the biologic effect of H2S and how it protects cells in various diseases by acting as an antioxidant that reduces excessive amounts of ROS and RNS.Ethics and dissemination:Ethical approval and informed consent are not required, as the study will be a literature review and will not involve direct contact with patients or alterations to patient care.Conclusion:H2S has been found to be cytoprotective in oxidative stress in a wide range of physiologic and pathologic conditions, an increasing number of therapeutic potentials of H2S also have been revealed. However, there is still much debate on the clear mechanism of action of H2S, so that the mechanisms of cell signaling that promote cellular survival and organ protection need to be further investigated to provide better H2S-based therapeutics.

Effects of hydrogen sulphide on oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and vascular remodelling in l‐NAME‐induced hypertension

“…In this study, although NaHS reduced SBP, it did not reduce it to the control level. This could be because H 2 S exerts its antihypertensive effects partially via induction of the eNOS/NO pathway, which was blocked by l ‐NAME in this study …”

“…This could be because H 2 S exerts its antihypertensive effects partially via induction of the eNOS/NO pathway, which was blocked by l-NAME in this study. 9 Co-administration of H 2 S and l-NAME, in this study, increased serum levels of NO in comparison to those in the hypertensive group; however, its levels were still significantly lower than those of the control group and the H 2 S control group. In agreement with these findings, pregnant rats receiving both l-NAME and NaHS had higher serum NO levels than hypertensive pregnant rats; it was suggested that this was due to an NOS independent pathway.…”

“…These results are in agreement with that of Yang et al, who reported that mutant mice lacking cytosolic cystathionine‐γ‐lyase, the key enzyme associated with H 2 S production in vasculature, developed pronounced hypertension. Xiao et al reported that H 2 S produces its antihypertensive effect through phosphorylation of protein kinase B and 5′ AMP‐activated protein kinase, leading to activation of eNOS and increased NO production. In addition, H 2 S induces NO release from its stores of nitrites and peroxynitrite, leading to increased NO bioavailaility …”

“…It possesses antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties in addition to its role as an anti‐tumour and pro‐angiogenic agent. Because of its therapeutic potentials, H 2 S became a promising agent in cardiovascular health as it has cardioprotective, vasorelaxant, and pro‐angiogenic effects . For these reasons, the aim of our research was to assess the possible role of H 2 S in the prevention of hypertension and its possible effects on the inflammatory process, oxidative stress, and vascular remodelling in l ‐NAME‐induced hypertensive rats.…”

Hydrogen Sulfide Promotes Cell Proliferation and Melanin Synthesis in Primary Human Epidermal Melanocytes

“…Recent studies have indicated that H 2 S plays a variety of pathophysiological roles in cell proliferation, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and so on in multisystemic diseases [10]. In skin disorders, H 2 S has been proved to promote cell proliferation in the HaCaT cell line (spontaneously immortalized keratinocyte cell line, adult, male) [11].…”