Crosstalk Between H₂S and Hormones: The Bilateral Relationship and Molecular Mechanisms

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is increasingly recognized as a key gasotransmitter with diverse physiological roles across a range of organisms. Accumulating evidence has clearly shown that disruptions in H₂S homeostasis are linked to various endocrine disorders. Hormones are crucial in regulating H₂S metabolism and signaling, while H₂S influences hormones by modulating their biosynthesis, secretion, transport, and signaling pathways. H₂S and hormones function cooperatively to regulate cell survival, metabolism, reproduction, development, and stress responses, etc. The interaction between H₂S and hormones exhibits a certain degree of complexity due to the fact that they interact dynamically and through multiple signaling pathways. This book chapter summarizes the current state of knowledge on the bilateral relationship of H₂S and several important hormones, detailing the molecular mechanisms of H₂S-mediated hormone release and signal pathways, hormone-modulated H₂S synthesis and metabolism, and the related pathological implications. Insights into the reciprocal interactions between H₂S and various hormones can facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies for hormone-related disorders.