[Hydrogen sulfide: a novel cardiovascular functional regulatory gas factor]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Physiology
• Pharmacology

Context:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is increasingly recognized as a crucial endogenous signaling molecule in cardiovascular physiology.
• Studies indicate that enzymes like cystathionine beta-lyase (CBS) and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) are key producers of H2S.
• Dysregulation of H2S production is implicated in various cardiovascular pathologies.

Purpose:

• To investigate the role of the cystathionine gamma-lyase/hydrogen sulfide (CSE/H2S) pathway in the development of hypertension.
• To examine the impact of exogenous H2S administration on blood pressure in hypertensive animal models.
• To explore the correlation between H2S levels and nitric oxide (NO) in conditions like septic and endotoxic shock.

Summary:

• Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) models showed decreased plasma H2S concentration, lung tissue CSE activity, and gene expression.
• In L-NAME induced hypertension and spontaneous hypertension rats (SHR) models, plasma H2S levels, vascular CSE activity, and mRNA expression were significantly reduced.
• Exogenous H2S administration led to a noticeable decrease in systolic blood pressure, suggesting the CSE/H2S pathway's involvement in hypertension pathophysiology.
• Elevated endogenous H2S levels were observed in septic and endotoxic shock rats, correlating with nitric oxide (NO) levels.

Impact:

• These findings highlight the CSE/H2S pathway as a significant contributor to the pathophysiology of hypertension.
• The study suggests that H2S acts as a novel regulator of cardiovascular function.
• This research opens avenues for exploring H2S-based therapeutic strategies for managing hypertension and related cardiovascular disorders.