Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has long been considered as a toxic gas, but as research progressed, the idea has been updated and it has now been shown to have potent protective effects at reasonable concentrations. H2S is an endogenous gas signaling molecule in mammals and is produced by specific enzymes in different cell types. An increasing number of studies indicate that H2S plays an important role in cardiovascular homeostasis, and in most cases, H2S has been reported to be downregulated in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Similarly, in preclinical studies, H2S has been shown to prevent CVDs and improve heart function after heart failure. Recently, many H2S donors have been synthesized and tested in cellular and animal models. Moreover, numerous molecular mechanisms have been proposed to demonstrate the effects of these donors. In this review, we will provide an update on the role of H2S in cardiovascular activities and its involvement in pathological states, with a special focus on the roles of exogenous H2S in cardiac protection.
Highlights
Angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels from the existing capillaries or veins; it mainly includes the degradation of vascular basement membrane, activation, proliferation, and migration of vascular endothelial cells, and reconstruction and formation of new blood vessels and blood vessel networks
Under both hypoxic and normoxic conditions, inhibition of cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) could result in the promotion and suppression of the migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), respectively, whereas the suppression of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase (3-MPST) reduces the migration only in the hypoxic condition, suggesting that these enzymes are essential in the regulation of migration [84]
We summarize the mechanisms of H2 S donors in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) treatment by using the latest knowledge available with the aim of helping researchers to update their understanding of H2 S donors, function mechanisms, and the pathophysiology of heart diseases
Summary
Many studies have analyzed the possibility of using H2 S in the treatment of several diseases including diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, and atherosclerosis [4,5,6]. Further studies identified the activation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (KATP ) channels and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors as among the primary mechanisms used by H2 S in modulating vascular functions and hippocampal long-term potentiation, respectively [14,15]. Together, these findings have opened up an exciting novel field in the regulation of human physiology by H2 S. Limited information has been provided concerning the mechanisms involved; this review will illuminate recent studies demonstrating the roles of H2 S in CVDs and pinpoint key mechanisms involved in the regulation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
