Citation

Kimura H. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 2014; 20(5): 783-793.

Affiliation

National Institite of Neuroseicnce, Molecular Pharmacology, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan ; kimura@ncnp.go.jp.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/ars.2013.5309

PMID

23581969

Abstract

Significance: Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been recognized as a physiological mediator with a variety of functions. It regulates synaptic transmission, vascular tone, inflammation, transcription, and angiogenesis, protects cells from oxidative stress and ischemia-reperfusion injury, and promotes healing of ulcers. Recent Advances: In addition to cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine ÿ-lyase (CSE), 3-mecaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST) along with cysteine aminotransferase (CAT) was recently demonstrated to produce H₂S. Even in bacteria, H₂S produced by these enzymes functions as a defense against antibiotics, suggesting that the cytoprotective effect of H₂S is a universal defense mechanism in organisms from bacteria to mammals. Critical Issues: The functional form of H₂S-undissociated H₂S gas, dissociated HS- ion, or some other form of sulfur-has not been identified. Future Directions: The regulation of H₂S production by 3 enzymes may lead to the identification of the physiological signals required to release H₂S. The identification of the physiological functions of other forms of sulfur may also help understand the biological significance of H₂S.

Language: en