Thioglycine and L-thiovaline: Biologically active H2S-donors

Thioglycine and L-thiovaline are stable under acidic and basic conditions but in the presence of bicarbonate they liberate the gasotransmitter H2S. In cells both thioamino acids were proven to enhance cGMP formation and promote vasorelaxation in mouse aortic rings. Given that H2S is known to lower arterial hypertension, reduce oxidative stress and exhibit cardioprotective effects in preclinical models, H2S donors hold promise as novel treatments for cardiovascular diseases. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.