Hydrogen sulfide in pharmacology and medicine - An update.

Hydrogen sulfide in pharmacology and medicine - An update. Pharmacol Rep. 2015 Jun;67(3):647-658 Authors: Bełtowski J Abstract Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the endogenously produced gasotransmitter involved in the regulation of nervous system, cardiovascular functions, inflammatory response, gastrointestinal system and renal function. Together with nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, H2S belongs to a family of gasotransmitters. H2S is synthesized from l-cysteine and/or l-homocysteine by cystathionine β-synthase, cystathionine γ-lyase and cysteine aminotransferase together with 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase. Significant progress has been made in recent years in our understanding of H2S biochemistry, signaling mechanisms and physiological role. H2S-mediated signaling may be accounted for not only by the intact compound but also by its oxidized form, polysulfides. The most important signaling mechanisms include reaction with protein thiol groups to form persulfides (protein S-sulfhydration), reaction with nitric oxide and related species such as nitrosothiols to form thionitrous acid (HSNO), nitrosopersulfide (SSNO(-)) and nitroxyl (HNO), as well as reaction with hemoproteins. H2S is enzymatically oxidized in mitochondria to thiosulfate and sulfate by specific enzymes, sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase, persulfide dioxygenase, rhodanese and sulfite oxidase. H2S donors have therapeutic potential for diseases such as arterial and pulmon...
Source: Pharmacological Reports - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Pharmacol Rep Source Type: research