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Updated: May 31, 2026

En Face Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide in Endothelial Layer of Intact Arteries
Published on: February 25, 2016
Sulfur dioxide acts as a novel endogenous gaseous signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system
Shan-Shan Chen1, Chao-Shu Tang, Hong-Fang Jin
1Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.
Objective:
Sulfur dioxide was considered to be toxic and detrimental to human health. However, this review highlights recent advances that suggest sulfur dioxide might be a novel endogenous gaseous signaling molecule involved in the regulation of cardiovascular functions.
Data Sources:
The data used in this review were mainly from the studies reported in Medline and PubMed published from 1986 to 2010.
Study Selection:
Original articles and critical reviews selected were relevant to exogenous and endogenous sulfur dioxide.
Results:
The sulfur dioxide/aspartate amino transferase pathway is endogenously generated in the cardiovascular system, and sulfur dioxide shows broad bioactive effects, such as antihypertension, vasodilation, and amelioration of vascular remodeling. A disturbed sulfur dioxide/aspartate amino transferase pathway is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension, athrosclerosis, spontaneous hypertension and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, in experimental studies the prognosis of these cardiovascular diseases can be improved by targeting endogenous sulfur dioxide.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest that sulfur dioxide is a novel endogenous gaseous signaling molecule involved in the regulation of cardiovascular functions.
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