Roles of Hydrogen Sulfide in Hypertension Development and Its Complications: What, So What, Now What

Abstract

Hypertension is a multicause health challenge, and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a multifunctional gasotransmitter. A critical pathologic role of endogenous H₂S deficiency in the development of hypertension was established 15 years ago based on animal studies, setting the stage for examining the wide spectrum of cardiovascular effects and the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of H₂S. We are also starting to gain a better understanding of the role of altered H₂S metabolism in human hypertension. The purpose of this article is to examine our current understanding of the roles played by H₂S in the development of hypertension in both animals and humans. Additionally, H₂S-based antihypertension therapeutic strategies are reviewed. Is H₂S at the root of hypertension and one of the solutions for the same? The probability is very high.

Keywords: cytoplasm; endothelial cells; erythrocytes; gasotransmitters; vasoconstriction.