Hydrogen sulfide and hepatic lipid metabolism - a critical pairing for liver health

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S) is the most recently recognized gasotransmitter, influencing a wide range of physiological processes. As a critical regulator of metabolism, H₂ S has been suggested to be involved in the pathology of many diseases, particularly obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Its involvement in liver health has been brought to light more recently, particularly through knockout animal models, which show severe hepatic lipid accumulation upon ablation of H₂ S metabolic pathways. A complex relationship between H₂ S and lipid metabolism in the liver is emerging, which has significant implications for liver disease establishment and/or progression, regardless of the disease-causing agent. In this review, we discuss the critical importance of H₂ S in hepatic lipid metabolism. We then describe the animal models so far related with H₂ S and lipid-associated liver disease, as well as H₂ S-based treatments available. Finally, we highlight important considerations for future studies and identify areas in which much still remains to be determined. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Hydrogen Sulfide in Biology & Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.4/issuetoc.