Hydrogen sulfide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system

Abstract

The review discusses published data on the effect of hydrogen sulfide on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Hydrogen sulfide has become the third gas molecule, along with NO and CO, which was classified as gasotransmitters – signaling molecules, a unique feature of which is their ability to easily penetrate the cell membrane due to their good solubility in lipids. Signal transduction with the participation of gasotransmitters significantly differs from classical concepts – there is no need for either special membrane receptors or transport systems, gasotransmitters realize their effect practically in the zone of their biosynthesis, which makes such regulation fast and accurate. In the cardiovascular system, hydrogen sulfide has shown a pronounced cardioprotective effect, especially pronounced in conditions of hypertension and myocardial ischemia. Along with NO, hydrogen sulfide is the most important regulator of vascular tone, while it affects both the properties of the endothelium and regulates the contractility of vascular smooth muscle cells. The role of H2 S in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension and the therapeutic potential of this gasotransmitter and its derivatives in arterial hypertension treatment both in animal models and in clinical studies have been demonstrated. Experimental data confirming the participation of hydrogen sulfide in the processes of angiogenesis and in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis were published. For the cardiovascular system, the main function of which is the oxygen supply to organs and tissues, the ability of this gasotransmitter to influence the blood system and act as an oxygen sensor seems to be important. Hydrogen sulfide affects the functional properties of platelets, thrombus stability and microvascular thrombolysis; there is experimental evidence of the effect of H2S on the microrheological properties of erythrocytes and the process of erythrogenesis. And although the mechanisms of the effect of hydrogen sulfide have not yet been sufficiently studied, there is evidence that all gasotransmitters are in close interaction and their joint action gives a synergistic effect.