Hydrogen sulfide: a gaseous signaling molecule modulates tissue homeostasis: implications in ophthalmic diseases

Cell Death Dis. 2019 Mar 29;10(4):293. doi: 10.1038/s41419-019-1525-1.

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) serves as a gasotransmitter in the regulation of organ development and maintenance of homeostasis in tissues. Its abnormal levels are associated with multiple human diseases, such as neurodegenerative disease, myocardial injury, and ophthalmic diseases. Excessive exposure to H2S could lead to cellular toxicity, orchestrate pathological process, and increase the risk of various diseases. Interestingly, under physiological status, H2S plays a critical role in maintaining cellular physiology and limiting damages to tissues. In mammalian species, the generation of H2S is catalyzed by cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), 3-mercapto-methylthio pyruvate aminotransferase (3MST) and cysteine aminotransferase (CAT). These enzymes are found inside the mammalian eyeballs at different locations. Their aberrant expression and the accumulation of substrates and intermediates can change the level of H2S by orders of magnitude, causing abnormal structures or functions in the eyes. Detailed investigations have demonstrated that H2S donors' administration could regulate intraocular pressure, protect retinal cells, inhibit oxidative stress and alleviate inflammation by modulating the function of intra or extracellular proteins in ocular tissues. Thus, several slow-releasing H2S donors have been shown to be promising drugs for treating multiple diseases. In this review, we discuss the biological function of H2S metabolism and its application in ophthalmic diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood-Retinal Barrier / drug effects
  • Blood-Retinal Barrier / metabolism
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / enzymology
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / metabolism*
  • Glaucoma / enzymology
  • Glaucoma / metabolism*
  • Glycation End Products, Advanced / chemistry
  • Glycation End Products, Advanced / genetics
  • Glycation End Products, Advanced / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / metabolism
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / pharmacology*
  • Intraocular Pressure / drug effects*
  • Intraocular Pressure / genetics
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Retinal Degeneration / drug therapy
  • Retinal Degeneration / genetics
  • Retinal Degeneration / metabolism*
  • Retinal Neurons / chemistry
  • Retinal Neurons / drug effects*
  • Retinal Neurons / enzymology
  • Retinal Pigment Epithelium / blood supply
  • Retinal Pigment Epithelium / enzymology*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation

Substances

  • Glycation End Products, Advanced
  • Cyclic AMP
  • Hydrogen Sulfide