Hydrogen Sulfide: A Therapeutic Option in Systemic Sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology
• Pathophysiology
• Medical Biochemistry

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease characterized by vascular injury and fibrosis.
• Oxidative stress and altered gasotransmitter function, including nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), are implicated in SSc complications.
• Elevated homocysteine in SSc patients suggests potential defects in the transsulfuration pathway, which produces H₂S.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in vascular physiology and pathophysiology.
• To examine the potential involvement of H₂S disturbances in the development of systemic sclerosis (SSc).
• To evaluate current experimental data and potential interventional strategies related to H₂S in SSc.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on H₂S in vascular (patho-)physiology.
• Analysis of studies investigating H₂S and homocysteine levels in systemic sclerosis (SSc).
• Review of experimental animal studies on H₂S and SSc-related vasculopathy.

Main Results:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) possesses significant antioxidant and vasodilator properties.
• Potential defects in the transsulfuration pathway in SSc patients may lead to altered H₂S levels.
• H₂S may play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of SSc-associated vasculopathy.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the role of H₂S in SSc-related vascular disease is critical for developing early interventions.
• Disturbances in H₂S metabolism could be a key factor in SSc pathogenesis.
• Targeting H₂S pathways presents a potential therapeutic strategy for systemic sclerosis.