Hydrogen Sulfide in Inflammation: A Novel Mediator and Therapeutic Target

Significance: Inflammation is a normal response to injury, but uncontrolled inflammation can lead to several diseases. In recent years, research has shown endogenously synthesized hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to be a novel mediator of inflammation. This review summarizes the current understanding and recent advances of H2S role with respect to inflammation in different diseases. Recent Advances: Promising early results from clinical studies suggest an important role of H2S in human inflammatory disease. Critical Issues: Defining the precise mechanism by which H2S contributes to inflammation is a complex challenge, and there is active ongoing research that is focused on addressing this question. Most of this work has been conducted on animal models of human disease and isolated/cultured cells, and its translation to the clinic is another challenge in the area of H2S research. Future Directions: Defining the mechanism by which H2S acts as an inflammatory mediator will help us better understand different inflammatory diseases and help develop novel therapeutic approaches for these diseases.

Automated summary

Recent research has highlighted the important role of endogenously synthesized hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in inflammation, with promising results in clinical studies. However, defining the precise mechanism by which H2S contributes to inflammation remains a complex challenge, and translating research findings to clinical practice is another hurdle in the field of H2S research.