The Cardioprotective Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide in Heart Diseases: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Potential

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2015:2015:925167. doi: 10.1155/2015/925167. Epub 2015 May 11.

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is now recognized as a third gaseous mediator along with nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), though it was originally considered as a malodorous and toxic gas. H2S is produced endogenously from cysteine by three enzymes in mammalian tissues. An increasing body of evidence suggests the involvement of H2S in different physiological and pathological processes. Recent studies have shown that H2S has the potential to protect the heart against myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, hypertrophy, fibrosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and heart failure. Some mechanisms, such as antioxidative action, preservation of mitochondrial function, reduction of apoptosis, anti-inflammatory responses, angiogenic actions, regulation of ion channel, and interaction with NO, could be responsible for the cardioprotective effect of H2S. Although several mechanisms have been identified, there is a need for further research to identify the specific molecular mechanism of cardioprotection in different cardiac diseases. Therefore, insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying H2S action in the heart may promote the understanding of pathophysiology of cardiac diseases and lead to new therapeutic targets based on modulation of H2S production.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Heart Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Heart Diseases / metabolism
  • Heart Diseases / pathology*
  • Heart Failure / metabolism
  • Heart Failure / pathology
  • Heart Failure / prevention & control
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / pharmacology
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / therapeutic use*
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Protective Agents / pharmacology
  • Protective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Protective Agents
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Hydrogen Sulfide