Hydrogen sulfide: A new therapeutic target in vascular diseases

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is one of most important gas transmitters. H(2)S modulates many physiological and pathological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress and cell apoptosis that play a critical role in vascular function. Recently, solid evidence show that H(2)S is closely associated to various vascular diseases. However, specific function of H(2)S remains unclear. Therefore, in this review we systemically summarized the role of H(2)S in vascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, inflammation and angiogenesis. In addition, this review also outlined a novel therapeutic perspective comprising crosstalk between H(2)S and smooth muscle cell function. Therefore, this review may provide new insight inH(2)S application clinically.