Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a physiologically important gas transmitter that serves various biological functions in the body, in a manner similar to that of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide. Cystathionine‑β‑synthase, cystathionine‑γ‑lyase and cysteine transaminase/3‑mercaptopyruvate sulphotransferase are important enzymes involved H2S production in vivo, and the mitochondria are the primary sites of metabolism. It has been reported that H2S serves an important physiological role in the kidney. Under disease conditions, such as ischemia‑reperfusion injury, drug nephrotoxicity and diabetic nephropathy, H2S serves an important role in both the occurrence and development of the disease. The present review aimed to summarize the production, metabolism and physiological functions of H2S, and the progress in research with regards to its role in renal injury and renal fibrosis in recent years.
Keywords: diabetic nephropathy; drug nephrotoxicity; hydrogen sulfide; ischemia‑reperfusion injury; renal fibrosis.