Hydrogen Sulfide Regulates Macrophage Function in Cardiovascular Diseases

Area of Science:

• Immunology and Molecular Biology
• Gasotransmitter Signaling
• Cellular Redox Homeostasis

Background:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter crucial for immune regulation.
• Macrophage function is increasingly recognized as being modulated by H₂S.
• Cystathionine-γ-lyase is the primary enzyme generating H₂S in macrophages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the generation and regulatory effects of endogenous H₂S on macrophage function.
• To discuss H₂S-mediated signal transduction pathways in macrophages.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of H₂S in macrophage-related conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on H₂S and macrophage biology.
• Analysis of H₂S generation mechanisms in macrophages.
• Examination of H₂S involvement in macrophage activation, inflammasome formation, apoptosis, adhesion, chemotaxis, and polarization.

Main Results:

• H₂S modulates macrophage activation, inflammasome formation, apoptosis, adhesion, chemotaxis, and polarization.
• H₂S possesses redox properties, mitigating oxidative stress by interacting with reactive oxygen species.
• Epigenetic regulation of gene expression by H₂S in macrophages is observed.

Conclusions:

• Endogenous H₂S plays a significant role in regulating macrophage functions across various physiological and pathophysiological states.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate H₂S mechanisms in macrophages and its therapeutic applications.
• Clinical translation of H₂S for inflammation-related diseases requires further investigation.