Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Pathology of Inflammation. (24th October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bhatia, Madhav
• Other Names: Choudhry Mashkoor A. Academic Editor.; Marucci Gianluca Academic Editor.; Rippe B. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Scientifica. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-10-24
• Subjects: Life sciences -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Biological Science Disciplines; Medicine; Biology; Life sciences; Medicine; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 500
• DOI: 10.6064/2012/159680
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-908X

Abstract

Abstract : Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) is a well-known toxic gas that is synthesized in the human body from the amino acids cystathionine, homocysteine, and cysteine by the action of at least two distinct enzymes: cystathionine- γ -lyase and cystathionine- β -synthase. In the past few years, H2 S has emerged as a novel and increasingly important biological mediator. Imbalances in H2 S have also been shown to be associated with various disease conditions. However, defining the precise pathophysiology of H2 S is proving to be a complex challenge. Recent research in our laboratory has shown H2 S as a novel mediator of inflammation and work in several groups worldwide is currently focused on determining the role of H2 S in inflammation. H2 S has been implicated in different inflammatory conditions, such as acute pancreatitis, sepsis, joint inflammation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Active research on the role of H2 S in inflammation will unravel the pathophysiology of its actions in inflammatory conditions and may help develop novel therapeutic approaches for several, as yet incurable, disease conditions.