Implications of hydrogen sulfide in colorectal cancer: Mechanistic insights and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important signaling molecule in colorectal cancer (CRC). It is produced in the colon by the catalytic synthesis of the colonocytes' enzymatic systems and the release of intestinal microbes, and is oxidatively metabolized in the colonocytes' mitochondria. Both endogenous H2S in colonic epithelial cells and exogenous H2S in intestinal lumen contribute to the onset and progression of CRC. The up-regulation of endogenous synthetases is thought to be the cause of the elevated H2S levels in CRC cells. Different diagnostic probes and combination therapies, as well as tumor treatment approaches through H2S modulation, have been developed in recent years and have become active area of investigation for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC. In this review, we focus on the specific mechanisms of H2S production and oxidative metabolism as well as the function of H2S in the occurrence, progression, diagnosis, and treatment of CRC. We also discuss the present challenges and provide insights into the future research of this burgeoning field.

Automated summary

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a crucial signaling molecule in colorectal cancer (CRC), produced in the colon by enzymatic systems of colonocytes and released by intestinal microbes. Both endogenous and exogenous H2S contribute to the onset and progression of CRC. Recent advancements have led to the development of diagnostic probes, combination therapies, and tumor treatment approaches through H2S modulation for CRC. This review focuses on the mechanisms of H2S production and oxidative metabolism, as well as its role in CRC occurrence, progression, diagnosis, and treatment, providing insights into future research in this field.