Role of cystathionine γ-lyase/hydrogen sulfide pathway in cardiovascular disease: a novel therapeutic strategy?
CONCLUSIONS
Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has traditionally been considered a toxic environmental pollutant. In the late 1990s, the presumed solely harmful role of H(2)S has been challenged because H(2)S may also be involved in the maintenance and preservation of cardiovascular homeostasis.


BACKGROUND
The production of endogenous H(2)S has been attributed to three key enzymes, cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase. The recognition of H(2)S as the third gaseous signaling molecule has stimulated research on a multitude of pathophysiologic events in the cardiovascular system. In particular, important roles in cardiovascular disorder processes are ascribed to the CSE/H(2)S pathway, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and shock.


RESULTS
Many biological activities and molecular mechanisms of H(2)S in the cardiovascular system have been demonstrated in studies using different tools, such as the genetic overexpression of CSE, the direct administration of H(2)S donors, or the use of H(2)S-releasing pro-drugs. Unfortunately, the role of the CSE/H(2)S pathway in cardiovascular disease remains controversial in numerous areas, and many questions regarding the gaseous molecule still remain unanswered.


CONCLUSIONS
Advances in basic research indicate that the CSE/H(2)S pathway may provide potential therapeutic targets for treating cardiovascular disorders. But the molecular targets of H(2)S still need to be identified.
Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Li Long
LL
Pan
Xin Hua
XH
Liu
Qi Hai
QH
Gong
He Bei
HB
Yang
Yi Zhun
YZ
Zhu
D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D003542:Cystathionine gamma-Lyase / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
D003542:Cystathionine gamma-Lyase; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide