H(2)S-based therapies for ischaemic stroke: opportunities and challenges

Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease displaying high mortality and morbidity. Despite extensive efforts, only very few therapies are available for stroke patients as yet. Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is thought to be a signalling molecule that is endogenously produced and plays functional roles in the central nervous system. Currently, numerous studies show that H(2)S impacts stroke outcomes in animal and cellular models. Here, we review the recent research regarding the effects of endogenously produced H(2)S as well as exogenous H(2)S donors on stroke pathology, focusing on the potential of H(2)S-based therapies in treating ischaemic stroke. We also discuss the several issues that hinder the clinical translation of H(2)S-based therapies from the bench. Taken together, we think that H(2)S-based therapies are promising strategies for treating cerebral ischaemia if we successfully address these issues.