Emerging Roles of Hydrogen Sulfide in Inflammatory and Neoplastic Colonic Diseases

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is a toxic gas that has been recognized as an important mediator of many physiological processes, such as neurodegeneration, regulation of inflammation, blood pressure, and metabolism. In the human colon, H(2)S is produced by both endogenous enzymes and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). H(2)S is involved in the physiological and pathophysiological conditions of the colon, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC), which makes the pharmacological modulation of H(2)S production and metabolism a potential chemical target for the treatment of colonic diseases. However, the exact mechanisms and pathways by which H(2)S-mediates normal physiological function and disease in the colon are not fully understood. Besides, the production and release of H(2)S are modulated by both endogenous and exogenous factors. This review will discuss the production and storage of H(2)S, its biological roles and the emerging importance in physiology and pathology of IBD and CRC.