Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Chronic Diseases

In the past, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was considered as a poisonous gas or waste of the body. Later, researchers found that H2S-producing enzymes exist in mammals. Moreover, their findings indicated that endogenous H2S was associated with the occurrence of many diseases. Therefore, endogenous H2S is able to participate in the regulation of physiological and pathological functions of the body as a gas signaling molecule. In this review, we summarize the regulation mechanism of endogenous H2S on the body, such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, angiogenesis, as well as vasodilation/vasoconstriction. Furthermore, we also analyze the relationship between H2S and some chronic diseases, including hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, myocardial infarction, ischemic perfusion kidney injury, diabetes, and chronic intestinal diseases. Finally, we discuss dietary restriction and drugs that target for H2S. Hence, H2S is expected to become a potential target for treatment of these chronic diseases.