Siarkowodór — od kłopotliwego zapachu do podręcznika farmakologii

Abstract

The history of hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S), which is a toxic, colourless gas with peculiar, creepy smell of rotten eggs is long. It’s critical role not only in development of the Universe but also in evolution of living organisms has been well documented. Apart from the contribution in evolution the hydrogen sulphide has been recognized as an important gasotransmitter in numerous biological processes. In the paper we review recent discoveries on dominating pathways leading to synthesis of endogenous hydrogen sulphide, we summarize the key biological effects of hydrogen sulphide of importance for cardiovascular homeostasis. Further, we point out selected molecules of natural origin and also products of chemical synthesis known to increase via different mechanisms the bioavailability of hydrogen sulphide. Among drugs approved for human pharmacotherapy zofenopril is the one shown to possess such an ability. The drug belongs to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) having sulfhydryl moiety in its chemical structure. One of the metabolite of zofenopril was shown to increase the expression of enzyme synthesizing hydrogen sulphide and to elevate both plasma and myocardial levels of hydrogen sulphide. The above mentioned effects have not been shown by using other ACEI. Hydrogen sulphide realising ability of zofenopril apart of its long-term inhibition of ACEIs may be considered as potential explanation for prognostic advantage over other drugs of the same class shown in prospective randomised trial.