The Impact of H(2)S on Obesity-Associated Metabolic Disturbances

Over the last several decades, hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has gained attention as a new signaling molecule, with extensive physiological and pathophysiological roles in human disorders affecting vascular biology, immune functions, cellular survival, metabolism, longevity, development, and stress resistance. Apart from its known functions in oxidative stress and inflammation, new evidence has emerged revealing that H(2)S carries out physiological functions by targeting proteins, enzymes, and transcription factors through a post-translational modification known as persulfidation. This review article provides a critical overview of the current state of the literature addressing the role of H(2)S in obesity-associated metabolic disturbances, with particular emphasis on its mechanisms of action in obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular diseases.