Hydrogen sulfide and vascular regulation - An update

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Physiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is recognized as the third gasotransmitter, following carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO).
• H2S plays a critical role in maintaining vascular homeostasis.
• Impaired endogenous H2S generation is implicated in vascular remodeling and disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current knowledge on the physiological and pathophysiological roles of H2S in vascular health.
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of H2S action in the vasculature.
• To discuss the therapeutic potential of H2S and its donors in vascular diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on H2S in vascular biology.
• Analysis of data from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations.
• Discussion of enzymatic pathways and metabolic regulation of H2S.

Main Results:

• H2S regulates vascular tone, inhibits vascular cell proliferation, and modulates apoptosis and autophagy.
• Downregulation of H2S is associated with hypertension, atherosclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
• H2S supplementation demonstrates protective effects against vascular inflammation and oxidative stress.

Conclusions:

• H2S is a vital regulator of vascular function with significant therapeutic implications.
• Targeting the H2S pathway offers a promising strategy for treating vascular diseases.
• Novel H2S donors and sulfhydryl-containing ACE inhibitors like zofenopril represent advanced therapeutic approaches.