Hydrogen Sulfide as a Novel Regulatory Factor in Liver Health and Disease

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), a colorless gas smelling of rotten egg, has long been recognized as a toxic gas and environment pollutant. However, increasing evidence suggests that H(2)S acts as a novel gasotransmitter and plays important roles in a variety of physiological and pathological processes in mammals. H(2)S is involved in many hepatic functions, including the regulation of oxidative stress, glucose and lipid metabolism, vasculature, mitochondrial function, differentiation, and circadian rhythm. In addition, H(2)S contributes to the pathogenesis and treatment of a number of liver diseases, such as hepatic fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatotoxicity, and acute liver failure. In this review, the biosynthesis and metabolism of H(2)S in the liver are summarized and the role and mechanism of H(2)S in liver health and disease are further discussed.