Protective effect of hydrogen sulfide on the kidney (Review)
Hu Zhang, Haitian Zhao, Nannan Guo
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S) is a physiologically important gas transmitter that serves various biological functions in the body, in a manner similar to that of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide. Cystathionine‑β‑synthase, cystathionine‑γ‑lyase and cysteine transaminase/3‑mercaptopyruvate sulphotransferase are important enzymes involved H<sub>2</sub>S production <em>in vivo</em>, and the mitochondria are the primary sites of metabolism. It has been reported that H<sub>2</sub>S serves an important physiological role in the kidney. Under disease conditions, such as ischemia‑reperfusion injury, drug nephrotoxicity and diabetic nephropathy, H<sub>2</sub>S serves an important role in both the occurrence and development of the disease. The present review aimed to summarize the production, metabolism and physiological functions of H<sub>2</sub>S, and the progress in research with regards to its role in renal injury and renal fibrosis in recent years.