The role and mechanism of hydrogen sulfide in liver fibrosis

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is the third new gas signaling molecule in the human body after the discovery of NO and CO. Similar to NO, it has the functions of vasodilation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regulation of cell formation. Enzymes that can produce endogenous H₂S, such as CSE, CSB, and 3-MST, are common in liver tissues and are important regulatory molecules in the liver. In the development of liver fibrosis, H₂S concentration and expression of related enzymes change significantly, which makes it possible to use exogenous gases to treat liver diseases. This review summarizes the role of H₂S in liver fibrosis and its complications induced by NAFLD and CCl₄, and elaborates on the anti-liver fibrosis effect of H₂S through the mechanism of reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation, regulating autophagy, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, providing theoretical reference for further research on the treatment of liver fibrosis with H₂S.

Keywords: Anti-Liver fibrosis; Hydrogen sulfide(H(2)S); Liver fibrosis; Portal hypertension.