Hydrogen Sulfide, Oxidative Stress and Periodontal Diseases: A Concise Review.

Maria Greabu,Alexandra Totan,Justina Virlan,Daniela Miricescu,Bogdan Calenic,Radu Radulescu

doi:10.3390/antiox5010003

Maria Greabu, Alexandra Totan + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox5010003

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Abstract

In the past years, biomedical research has recognized hydrogen sulfide (H2S) not only as an environmental pollutant but also, along with nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, as an important biological gastransmitter with paramount roles in health and disease. Current research focuses on several aspects of H2S biology such as the biochemical pathways that generate the compound and its functions in human pathology or drug synthesis that block or stimulate its biosynthesis. The present work addresses the knowledge we have to date on H2S production and its biological roles in the general human environment with a special focus on the oral cavity and its involvement in the initiation and development of periodontal diseases.

Highlights

Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S), traditionally recognized as a toxic gas with a rotten-egg smell [1], is a bacterial waste product eliminated in the subgingival pocket [2,3]
In mammalian organisms, including the human body, endogenous H2 S synthesis is generally connected to three enzymes: 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), all three taking part in the cysteine synthesis pathway [10,11,12]
This means that for H2 S-mediated production of IL-8, the presence of a predisposed inflammatory condition is very important [75]. This could explain the dual behavior of H2 S.a recent study found that H2 S synergistically up regulates Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS-induced expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in gingival fibroblasts and PDLCs, which could further promote the development of periodontitis [97]

Summary

Introduction

Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S), traditionally recognized as a toxic gas with a rotten-egg smell [1], is a bacterial waste product eliminated in the subgingival pocket [2,3]. Periodontal disease has been described as an immune-inflammatory condition characterized by connective tissue breakdown, loss of attachment and alveolar bone resorption [4]. Inflammatory and immune reactions play the main roles [5], but more and more authors consider the link between oxidative stress and periodontal problems. Due to H2 S’s abilities in reducing oxidative stress [6,7,8]. Regulating inflammation [8,9], researchers have started studying H2 S’s roles in the initiation and progression of periodontal diseases. This paper reviews the most significant studies concerning H2 S production, its biological roles and implications in periodontitis development

H2 S—Production

S—Effect

Oxidative Stress and Periodontal Diseases

H2 S—Involvement in Periodontal Diseases

Conclusions