Hydrogen Sulfide, Adipose Tissue and Diabetes Mellitus

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is now increasingly considered to be the third gasotransmitter alongside other gaseous signaling molecules, nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). H(2)S is produced by a variety of endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways and acts as a modulator of the physiological and pathological events of the body. Adipocytes express the cystathionine γ lyase (CSE)/H(2)S system, which modulates a variety of biological activities in adipose tissue (AT), including inflammation, apoptosis, insulin resistance, adipokine secretion and adipocyte differentiation. Abnormalities in the physiological functions of AT play an important role in the process of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the general aspects of H(2)S biochemistry, the effect of H(2)S on AT function and diabetes mellitus and its molecular signalling mechanisms as well as the potential application of H(2)S in pharmacotherapy.