Hydrogen Sulfide as a Novel Regulatory Factor in Liver Health and Disease

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H ₂S), a colorless gas smelling of rotten egg, has long been recognized as a toxic gas and environment pollutant. However, increasing evidence suggests that H ₂S acts as a novel gasotransmitter and plays important roles in a variety of physiological and pathological processes in mammals. H ₂S is involved in many hepatic functions, including the regulation of oxidative stress, glucose and lipid metabolism, vasculature, mitochondrial function, differentiation, and circadian rhythm. In addition, H ₂S contributes to the pathogenesis and treatment of a number of liver diseases, such as hepatic fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatotoxicity, and acute liver failure. In this review, the biosynthesis and metabolism of H ₂S in the liver are summarized and the role and mechanism of H ₂S in liver health and disease are further discussed.