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Roles of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) as a Potential Therapeutic Agent in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Narrative Review
Kazi N Islam1, Ivan D Nguyen2, Rahib Islam2
1Department of Agricultural Research Development Program, Central State University, Wilberforce, USA.
Insights
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a cardioprotective gasotransmitter with therapeutic potential for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It protects the heart through mechanisms like vasodilation and antioxidant effects, offering novel treatment avenues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health concern, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is recognized as a cardioprotective gaseous signaling molecule, functioning as an endogenous gasotransmitter.
- H₂S exerts its effects via sulfhydration, a posttranslational modification of proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of action of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in cardiovascular health.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of H₂S for various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating H₂S and cardiovascular function.
- Analysis of H₂S-mediated signaling pathways and their impact on cardiac physiology.
- Synthesis of evidence on H₂S's role in different CVD models.
Main Results:
- H₂S demonstrates significant cardioprotective effects, including vasodilation, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, and antioxidant properties.
- Sulfhydration by H₂S modulates the function of target proteins, influencing cardiovascular outcomes.
- Evidence supports H₂S's benefits in conditions like myocardial infarction, heart failure, and atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) presents a promising therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
- Understanding H₂S mechanisms offers new targets for pharmacological intervention in cardiology.
- Further research into H₂S-based therapies could revolutionize CVD treatment.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) stands as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the continued search for novel therapeutics is vital for addressing this global health challenge. Over the past decade, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has garnered significant attention in the field of medical research, as it has been proven to be a cardioprotective gaseous signaling molecule. It joins nitric oxide and carbon monoxide as endogenously produced gasotransmitters. As for its mechanism, H₂S functions through the posttranslational addition of a sulfur group to cysteine residues on target proteins in a process called sulfhydration. As a result, the observed physiological effects of H₂S can include vasodilation, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, antioxidant effects, and regulation of ion channels. Various studies have observed the cardioprotective benefits of H₂S in diseases such as myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardiac remodeling, heart failure, arrhythmia, and atherosclerosis. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of H₂S in various CVDs.
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