title: Hydrogen sulfide, the next potent preventive and therapeutic agent in aging and age-associated diseases.
abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is the third endogenous signaling gasotransmitter, following nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. It is physiologically generated by cystathionine-γ-lyase, cystathionine-β-synthase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase. H(2)S has been gaining increasing attention as an important endogenous signaling molecule because of its significant effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Substantial evidence shows that H(2)S is involved in aging by inhibiting free-radical reactions, activating SIRT1, and probably interacting with the age-related gene Klotho. Moreover, H(2)S has been shown to have therapeutic potential in age-associated diseases. This article provides an overview of the physiological functions and effects of H(2)S in aging and age-associated diseases, and proposes the potential health and therapeutic benefits of H(2)S.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and Key Lab for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Yuan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Zhi-Han
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Zhong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ren
authors.forename: Shun-Lin
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Qu
authors.forename: Mi-Hua
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Lu-Shan
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Zhi-Sheng
authors.initials: ZS
authors.lastname: Jiang
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009420:Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide