The Potential of Hydrogen Sulfide Donors in Treating Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has long been considered as a toxic gas, but as research progressed, the idea has been updated and it has now been shown to have potent protective effects at reasonable concentrations. H2S is an endogenous gas signaling molecule in mammals and is produced by specific enzymes in different cell types. An increasing number of studies indicate that H2S plays an important role in cardiovascular homeostasis, and in most cases, H2S has been reported to be downregulated in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Similarly, in preclinical studies, H2S has been shown to prevent CVDs and improve heart function after heart failure. Recently, many H2S donors have been synthesized and tested in cellular and animal models. Moreover, numerous molecular mechanisms have been proposed to demonstrate the effects of these donors. In this review, we will provide an update on the role of H2S in cardiovascular activities and its involvement in pathological states, with a special focus on the roles of exogenous H2S in cardiac protection.

H2S and Oxytocin Systems in Early Life Stress and Cardiovascular Disease

“…In particular, CSE and 3MST have been reported to be expressed in the vasculature and hence play a role in the regulation of smooth muscle vasomotor tone. CBS expression has been shown to be inversely correlated with homocysteine levels, which is a factor in the progression of CVD [21]. There are a number of reviews on H 2 S and its protective effects in the cardiovascular system [17,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29].…”

“…CBS expression has been shown to be inversely correlated with homocysteine levels, which is a factor in the progression of CVD [21]. There are a number of reviews on H 2 S and its protective effects in the cardiovascular system [17,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. The expression of H 2 Sproducing enzymes has been identified in the cardiovascular system, specifically in the following cell types: smooth muscle cells, cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells and immune cells [9,10,12,19,30,31].…”

Carbon monoxide and a change of heart

“…Zhang et al demonstrated that exogenous H 2 S protected rat cardiomyoblasts against peroxide-induced apoptosis [ 49 ], while others have shown that H 2 S has vasodilatory [ 50 ], antioxidant [ 51 ], and anti-inflammatory [ 52 ] effects in cardiac tissue. Unfortunately, the flammability and toxicity of gaseous H 2 S, not to mention its foul odor, somewhat limits its use as a therapeutic agent, while inorganic H 2 S donors such as NaHS and Na2S are limited by rapid dissociation rates and autoxidation [ 53 ]. Investigations of natural H 2 S donors such as garlic and synthetic donors is ongoing, but less is known about these therapies when compared to CO-releasing agents.…”

Hydrogen Sulfide Biology and Its Role in Cancer

“…In its carcinogenic roles, H 2 S is involved in both the inhibition and advancement of cancer [ 5 , 8 , 9 , 10 ], while in its non-carcinogenic function, it has been found that H 2 S plays a significant role in the development of oral diseases [ 11 , 12 ], respiratory diseases [ 13 , 14 ], cardiovascular diseases [ 15 , 16 , 17 ], and common kidney diseases [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Consequently, these molecules have a tremendous impact on, and regulate the function of the mammalian system [ 1 , 21 ].…”