Hydrogen sulfide as a vasculoprotective factor

Hydrogen sulfide is a novel mediator with the unique properties of a gasotransmitter and many and varied physiological effects. Included in these effects are a number of cardiovascular effects that are proving beneficial to vascular health. Specifically, H(2)S can elicit vasorelaxation, prevention of inflammation and leukocyte adhesion, anti-proliferative effects and anti-thrombotic effects. Additionally, H(2)S is a chemical reductant and nucleophile that is capable of inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species, scavenging and neutralising reactive oxygen species and boosting the efficacy of endogenous anti-oxidant molecules. These result in resistance to oxidative stress, protection of vascular endothelial function and maintenance of blood flow and organ perfusion. H(2)S has been shown to be protective in hypertension, atherosclerosis and under conditions of vascular oxidative stress, and deficiency of endogenous H(2)S production is linked to cardiovascular disease states. Taken together, these effects suggest that H(2)S has a physiological role as a vasculoprotective factor and that exogenous H(2)S donors may be useful therapeutic agents. This review article will discuss the vascular effects and anti-oxidant properties of H(2)S as well as examine the protective role of H(2)S in some important vascular disease states.