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The Pathophysiology of H2S in Renal Glomerular Diseases
Karl-Friedrich Beck1, Josef Pfeilschifter1
1Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Goethe-Universität, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Insights
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) protects kidney glomerular cells from damage in diseases like diabetic nephropathy. This gasotransmitter works with other signaling molecules to preserve kidney function.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Renal glomerular diseases, including glomerulosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy, lead to kidney function loss and end-stage renal disease.
- The glomerulus comprises endothelial cells, mesangial cells, and podocytes, requiring precise cellular communication for structural and functional integrity.
- Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gasotransmitter alongside nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), is endogenously produced in mammalian cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synthesis and function of H2S within glomerular cells.
- To elucidate the protective effects of H2S in the glomerulus, particularly in the context of kidney disorders.
- To examine the interplay between H2S and other gasotransmitters (NO, CO) in renal physiology.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on H2S, NO, and CO signaling in mammalian cells.
- Analysis of studies demonstrating H2S's role in animal models of kidney disease, specifically diabetic nephropathy.
- Focus on the cellular mechanisms of H2S production and action in glomerular cells.
Main Results:
- H2S, NO, and CO function as signaling molecules that activate protective pathways.
- H2S has shown protective effects in various animal models of kidney disorders, notably diabetic nephropathy.
- The study highlights the beneficial actions of H2S within the glomerulus.
Conclusions:
- H2S plays a significant protective role in glomerular cells.
- Understanding H2S signaling is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies for renal diseases.
- The interaction of H2S with NO and CO warrants further investigation for comprehensive kidney protection.
Abstract:
Renal glomerular diseases such as glomerulosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy often result in the loss of glomerular function and consequently end-stage renal disease. The glomerulus consists of endothelial cells, mesangial cells and glomerular epithelial cells also referred to as podocytes. A fine-tuned crosstalk between glomerular cells warrants control of growth factor synthesis and of matrix production and degradation, preserving glomerular structure and function. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) belongs together with nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) to the group of gasotransmitters. During the last three decades, these higher concentration toxic gases have been found to be produced in mammalian cells in a well-coordinated manner. Recently, it became evident that H2S and the other gasotransmitters share common targets as signalling devices that trigger mainly protective pathways. In several animal models, H2S has been demonstrated as a protective factor in the context of kidney disorders, in particular of diabetic nephropathy. Here, we focus on the synthesis and action of H2S in glomerular cells, its beneficial effects in the glomerulus and its action in the context of the other gaseous signalling molecules NO and CO.
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