Physiological Importance of Hydrogen Sulfide: Emerging Potent Neuroprotector and Neuromodulator

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016:2016:9049782. doi: 10.1155/2016/9049782. Epub 2016 Jun 20.

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an emerging neuromodulator that is considered to be a gasotransmitter similar to nitrogen oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). H2S exerts universal cytoprotective effects and acts as a defense mechanism in organisms ranging from bacteria to mammals. It is produced by the enzymes cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine ϒ-lyase (CSE), 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST), and D-amino acid oxidase (DAO), which are also involved in tissue-specific biochemical pathways for H2S production in the human body. H2S exerts a wide range of pathological and physiological functions in the human body, from endocrine system and cellular longevity to hepatic protection and kidney function. Previous studies have shown that H2S plays important roles in peripheral nerve regeneration and degeneration and has significant value during Schwann cell dedifferentiation and proliferation but it is also associated with axonal degradation and the remyelination of Schwann cells. To date, physiological and toxic levels of H2S in the human body remain unclear and most of the mechanisms of action underlying the effects of H2S have yet to be fully elucidated. The primary purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the role of H2S in the human body and to describe its beneficial effects.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Central Nervous System / drug effects
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Central Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase / metabolism
  • Cystathionine gamma-Lyase / metabolism
  • Gases
  • Gasotransmitters / metabolism*
  • Gasotransmitters / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / metabolism*
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / therapeutic use
  • Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Nervous System Diseases / metabolism
  • Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Neurogenesis*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / metabolism
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Peripheral Nervous System / drug effects
  • Peripheral Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Peripheral Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Gases
  • Gasotransmitters
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase
  • Cystathionine gamma-Lyase
  • Hydrogen Sulfide