The Role of Hydrogen Sulﬁde in Regulation of Cell Death following Neurotrauma and Related Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Diseases

Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310742 · Published: June 28, 2023

Simple Explanation

Injuries to the nervous system are a major healthcare problem due to the lack of effective treatments. These injuries can also lead to mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. This review explores the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in these conditions. H2S is a signaling molecule that can have both protective and harmful effects on cells. This article examines how H2S affects cell survival and death in the context of brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve injuries, as well as related mental illnesses like depression and Alzheimer's. The review also discusses potential therapeutic uses of H2S donors, which are compounds that release H2S, as neuroprotective agents. The findings suggest that H2S has significant neuroprotective potential, but more research is needed to develop safe and effective H2S-based therapies.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
H2S exhibits neuroprotective properties by reducing oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and neuroinflammation. It also inhibits processes associated with apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis.
2
H2S prevents the destruction of the blood-brain barrier, increases the expression of neurotrophic factors, and modulates the activity of Ca2+ channels in neurotrauma.
3
High levels of H2S can cause cytotoxic effects, highlighting the need for careful development of H2S-based neuroprotectors.

Research Summary

This review examines the various biological effects of H2S associated with survival and cell death in trauma to the brain, spinal cord, and PNS, and the signaling mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of mental illnesses, such as cognitive impairment, encephalopathy, depression and anxiety disorders, epilepsy and chronic pain. We also studied the role of H2S in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Our study showed that H2S has great neuroprotective potential.

Practical Implications

Drug Development

Development of H2S-associated neuroprotectors is especially relevant for preclinical trials, showing high neuroprotective effect in various animal models.

Therapeutic Potential

H2S donors could be used to treat neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases.

Further Research

Further fundamental and practical research on H2S is necessary for the effective treatment of many diseases, including pathological conditions associated with the CNS and PNS.

Study Limitations

1
All H2S modulators are at the stage of preclinical trials.
2
The therapeutic effect of H2S largely depends on its concentration.
3
Complexity in understanding molecular signaling mechanisms associated with H2S well.

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