Sulfur Dioxide: Endogenous Generation, Biological Effects, Detection, and Therapeutic Potential
Yaqian Huang, Heng Zhang, Boyang Lv, Chaoshu Tang, Junbao Du, Hongfang Jin
Abstract
Significance: Previously, sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) was recognized as an air pollutant. However, it is found to be endogenously produced in mammalian tissues. As a new gasotransmitter, SO 2 is involved in regulating the structure and function of blood vessels, heart, lung, gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, etc. Recent Advances: Increasing evidence showed that endogenous SO 2 regulates cardiovascular physiological processes, such as blood pressure control, vasodilation, maintenance of the normal vascular structure, and cardiac negative inotropy. Under pathological conditions including hypertension, atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, aging endothelial dysfunction, myocardial injury, myocardial hypertrophy, diabetic myocardial fibrosis, sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, acute lung injury, colitis, epilepsy-related brain injury, depression and anxiety, and addictive drug reward memory consolidation, endogenous SO 2 protects against the pathological changes via different molecular mechanisms and the disturbed SO 2 /aspartate aminotransferase pathway is likely involved in the mechanisms for the earlier mentioned pathologic processes. Critical Issues: A comprehensive understanding of the biological effects of endogenous SO 2 is extremely important for the development of novel SO 2 therapy. In this review, we summarized the biological effects, mechanism of action, SO 2 detection methods, and its related prodrugs. Future Directions: Further studies should be conducted to understand the effects of endogenous SO 2 in various physiological and pathophysiological processes and clarify its underlying mechanisms. More efficient and accurate SO 2 detection methods, as well as specific and effective SO 2 -releasing systems should be designed for the treatment and prevention of clinical related diseases. The translation from SO 2 basic medical research to its clinical application is also worthy of further study. Antioxid. Redox Signal . 36, 256–274.