Role of hydrogen sulfide in the male reproductive system

Abstract

As an important gas signaling molecule, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) affects multiple organ systems, including the nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, and genitourinary, reproductive systems. In particular, H₂S not only regulates female reproductive function but also holds great promise in the treatment of male reproductive diseases and disorders, such as erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, varicocele, and infertility. In this review, we summarize the relationship between H₂S and male reproductive organs, including the penis, testis, prostate, vas deferens, and epididymis. As lower urinary tract symptoms have a significant impact on penile erection disorders, we also address the potential ameliorative effects of H₂S in erectile dysfunction resulting from bladder disease. Additionally, we discuss the regulatory role of H₂S in cavernous smooth muscle relaxation, which involves the NO/cGMP pathway, the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway, and K⁺ channel activation. Recently, various compounds that can alleviate erectile dysfunction have been reported to be at least partly dependent on H₂S. Therefore, understanding the role of H₂S in the male reproductive system may help develop novel strategies for the clinical treatment of male reproductive system diseases.

Keywords: H2S; bladder; erectile dysfunction; oxidative stress; prostate cancer; testis.

Figure 1

Distribution of H₂S synthases in the male reproductive system.

Figure 2

Protective effects of H₂S on the testis and germ cells. Apaf-1, apoptosis protease-activating factor-1; HO-1, heme oxygenase-1; NQO1, NADPH dehydrogenase quinone 1.

Figure 3

Regulatory effects of H₂S on erectile dysfunction. ROCK, Rho-kinase; sGC, soluble guanylate cyclase; MYPT1, myosin phosphatase-targeting subunit 1; cGMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate.