Regulation of blood pressure by natural sulfur compounds: Focus on their mechanisms of action

Natural sulfur compounds are emerging as therapeutic options for the management of hypertension and pre -hypertension. They are mainly represented by polysulfides from Alliaceae (i.e., garlic) and isothiocyanates from Brassicaceae (or crucifers). The beneficial cardiovascular effects of these compounds, especially garlic poly -sulfides, are well known and widely reported both in preclinical and clinical studies. However, only a few authors have linked the ability of natural sulfur compounds to induce vasorelaxation and subsequent antihypertensive effects with their ability to release hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in biological tissue. H2S is an endogenous gaso-transmitter involved in vascular tone regulation. Some cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, are asso-ciated with lower plasma H2S levels. Consequently, exogenous sources of H2S (H2S donors) have been designed and synthesized or identified among secondary plant metabolites as potential therapeutic options. In addition to antioxidant effects due to its chemical properties as a reducing agent, H2S induces vasorelaxation by interacting with a range of molecular targets. The mechanisms of action accounting for H2S-induced vasodilation include opening of vascular potassium channels (such as ATP-sensitive (KATP) and voltage-operated (Kv7) channels), inhibition of 5-phosphodiesterase (5-PDE), and activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). These effects may be attributed to H2S-induced S-persulfidation (or S-sulfhydration), which is a posttranslational modification of cysteine residues of many types of proteins resulting in structural and func-tional alterations (activation/inhibition). Thus, H2S donors, such as natural sulfur compounds, are promising antihypertensive agents with novel mechanisms of action.

Automated summary

Natural sulfur compounds, such as garlic polysulfides and isothiocyanates from crucifers, have emerged as promising therapeutic options for hypertension. Their beneficial cardiovascular effects are attributed to the release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in biological tissue, which induces vasorelaxation. H2S acts on various molecular targets to promote vasodilation, including opening of potassium channels, inhibition of 5-phosphodiesterase, and activation of VEGFR-2. These compounds have novel mechanisms of action and potential as antihypertensive agents.