Sulfide regulation of cardiovascular function in health and disease

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has emerged as a gaseous signalling molecule with crucial implications for cardiovascular health. H₂S is involved in many biological functions, including interactions with nitric oxide, activation of molecular signalling cascades, post-translational modifications and redox regulation. Various preclinical and clinical studies have shown that H₂S and its synthesizing enzymes — cystathionine γ-lyase, cystathionine β-synthase and 3-mercaptosulfotransferase — can protect against cardiovascular pathologies, including arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction and ischaemia–reperfusion injury. The bioavailability of H₂S and its metabolites, such as hydropersulfides and polysulfides, is substantially reduced in cardiovascular disease and has been associated with single-nucleotide polymorphisms in H₂S synthesis enzymes. In this Review, we highlight the role of H₂S, its synthesizing enzymes and metabolites, their roles in the cardiovascular system, and their involvement in cardiovascular disease and associated pathologies. We also discuss the latest clinical findings from the field and outline areas for future study.

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a gaseous signalling molecule with important roles in cardiovascular health and disease. In this Review, Kevil and colleagues discuss the role of H₂S, its synthesizing enzymes and metabolites, their roles in the cardiovascular system, and their involvement in cardiovascular disease and associated pathologies.

Key points

• Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has a crucial role in regulating cardiovascular function; reduced bioavailability is associated with cardiovascular pathologies, including arrhythmias, heart failure, ischaemic myocardial dysfunction and peripheral vascular disease.

• H₂S and its synthesizing enzymes, including cystathionine γ-lyase, can protect against atherosclerosis and cardiac ischaemia–reperfusion injury.

• H₂S regulates various pathophysiological functions via interaction with nitric oxide, activation of molecular signalling cascades, post-translational modification of proteins and control of redox-dependent responses.

• Findings from clinical studies demonstrate that H₂S and its metabolites, including hydropersulfides and polysulfides, have substantial therapeutic potential for various forms of cardiovascular disease.

Introduction

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a naturally occurring, colourless gas that is toxic, corrosive and flammable. H₂S is a major component of the sulfur cycle and is present in the environment (such as in decaying organic matter, groundwater and natural gases). With exposure to levels >100 ppm, H₂S typically causes asphyxiation, with shock and convulsions that can be fatal¹. However, H₂S is also an important biological molecule that was crucial in the evolution of life^2,3 and is synthesized in nanomolar to micromolar concentrations in vivo. In the past few decades, the essential role of H₂S in cellular signalling and protection and in regulating numerous biological functions has been recognized⁴.

H₂S is one of three known gaseous signalling molecules or ‘gasotransmitters’ with crucial pathophysiological roles in cardiovascular function^4–6. Carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO) are the other two gaseous neurotransmitters in this class. Before the identification in the 1940s of the biological role of H₂S in vertebrates^4,7, NO had long been considered the major vascular gaseous signalling molecule⁴. The current literature clearly demonstrates that H₂S is an important independent effector^8–11, as well as an enhancer of NO-mediated signalling events affecting the cardiovascular system^12–14. A cardioprotective role for H₂S has been suggested in cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac fibrosis, heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy, ischaemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) and myocardial infarction (MI)¹⁰. Although the role of H₂S and its metabolites as biomarkers of human cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not yet well established¹⁵, improved detection techniques have identified novel sulfide metabolites, including hydropersulfides and polysulfides, and have begun to reveal previously unknown molecular mechanisms and their biological relevance in cardiovascular pathology. In this Review, we discuss the involvement of H₂S, hydropersulfides and polysulfides in cardiovascular function and CVD and provide timely insights into potential clinical applications and interventions.

Chemical biology of sulfides

The oxidation state of sulfur has a broad range, from −2 in H₂S, 0 in elemental sulfur (S₈), +2 in sulfur monoxide (SO), and a maximum oxidation state of +6 in sulfate (SO₄²⁻). Owing to its lower oxidation state, H₂S acts as a reductant. Although H₂S does not react readily with oxygen in the air, it easily undergoes oxidation in aqueous solutions. Sulfide can be present as other oxidation products, including polythionates, thiosulfate, sulfite (SO₃²⁻), sulfate and small oxoacids of sulfur (Fig. 1a). H₂S is just one form of the sulfur-containing molecules that contribute to other metabolites, such as acid-labile sulfide (such as iron–sulfur clusters) and bound sulfane sulfur^16–18 (such as hydropersulfides and polysulfides). H₂S predominantly exists (~80%) as the anionic form HS⁻ under physiological conditions (pH 7.4). H₂S is freely diffusible under acidic conditions, such as ischaemia, which has physiological relevance. However, the reactivity of this compound differs substantially depending on whether it is in gaseous (H₂S) or anionic (HS⁻) form. H₂S does not react with reduced thiols, whereas HS⁻ reacts with oxidized thiol derivatives¹⁹. However, both HS⁻ and thiolate anions (RS⁻) are nucleophiles and, therefore, do not react with each other^20,21. The functions of H₂S metabolites, including polysulfides, have become an area of intense research interest in the past 5 years^15,22–24. Hydropersulfides and polysulfides have been suggested to be stronger nucleophiles than cysteine, glutathione and even H₂S¹⁹. However, the formation, kinetics and biological relevance of these various sulfide compounds under physiological and pathological conditions in the cardiovascular system remain unclear.

Fig. 1. Sulfide metabolite formation and fate.

a | Various chemical metabolite fate pathways for sulfide and its related species are shown. The basal level of production of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is determined by the activity of three main enzymes: cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST). In addition, bacterial enzymes (such as sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), sulfite reductase [NADPH] flavoprotein α-component (CysJ) and anaerobic sulfite reductase subunit A (AsrA)) can reduce terminal sulfide oxidation end products (such as thiosulfate, sulfate and sulfite) back to H₂S. H₂S can undergo a myriad of reactions leading to the formation of small oxoacids of sulfur, sulfane sulfur species and acid-labile sulfur species. b | Various enzymatic and non-enzymatic biochemical pathways are involved in sulfide metabolite formation. Sulfide catabolism through the mitochondrial H₂S oxidation pathway leads to the metabolic end products of sulfate and thiosulfate. CARS, cysteinyl–tRNA synthetase (also known as cytoplasmic cysteine–tRNA ligase); CAT, cysteine aminotransferase; CysSH, cysteine; CysSSH, cysteine hydropersulfide; ETHE1, persulfide dioxygenase; GSH, glutathione; GSSG, glutathione disulfide; MP, mercaptopyruvate; PP_i, inorganic pyrophosphate; SQR, sulfide–quinone oxidoreductase; SQR-SSH, sulfide–quinone oxidoreductase hydropersulfide.

Production of sulfides

Endogenous H₂S is produced in mammalian tissues by both enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways^4,15,25. The basal level of production is determined by the activity of three main enzymes — cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST) — as well as by cysteine aminotransferase^4,15 (Fig. 1b).

Homocysteine, l-cysteine and their derivatives are common substrates of these H₂S-generating enzymes. Cysteine can also produce H₂S in the blood, catalysed by iron and vitamin B₆ (ref.²⁵). Additionally, d-cysteine can be metabolized by d-amino acid oxidase to 3-mercaptopyruvate, which is subsequently converted to H₂S via MPST in mammalian cells²⁶. This pathway is functional only in the kidneys and the brain, particularly the cerebellum.

The synthesis of H₂S and its metabolites can be promiscuous with respect to substrate utilization and reactivity²⁷. The transsulfuration pathway of H₂S production via CBS and CTH uses homocysteine and l-cysteine, but these enzymes can also produce other biochemical forms of sulfide^28,29. CBS and CTH can use substrates such as cystine or glutathione disulfide, resulting in the formation of cysteine hydropersulfide or glutathione hydropersulfide as well as polysulfides that are biologically important forms of bound sulfane sulfur³⁰. Hydropersulfides or polysulfides can be carried by proteins, such as plasma albumin, which can transport sulfane sulfur equivalents functioning as signalling mediators for various biological activities^15,31,32.

In addition to the four conventional H₂S-producing enzymes, studies have shown that cysteinyl–tRNA synthetases (CARSs; also known as cytoplasmic cysteine–tRNA ligase) are also a major source of endogenous protein hydropersulfide formation in mammalian cells^33,34 (Fig. 1b). CARS2 is a mitochondrial isoform that regulates mitochondrial bioenergetics and protein hydropersulfides, affecting cellular function³⁴. These findings are important because they demonstrate that hydropersulfides and polysulfides can be synthesized independently of H₂S. However, further studies are required to understand how these various pathways participate in cardiovascular pathophysiological responses.

Localization of H₂S-producing enzymes

CBS and CTH are pyridoxal 5′-phosphate-dependent enzymes localized in the cytosol, with CBS being predominantly found in the brain and central nervous system and CTH primarily expressed in the cardiovascular system, although both enzymes are also found in the kidneys, liver, lymphocytes, placenta and pancreatic islets^6,35,36. MPST is localized in mitochondria and has been found in the heart, kidneys, liver and retina^4,5,15. Importantly, all three of these H₂S-synthesizing enzymes are expressed in cardiovascular cells³⁷. Translocation of CTH to the mitochondria under hypoxic conditions has been reported, and this enzyme can metabolize cysteine to produce H₂S and increase ATP production in the mitochondria when MPST activity is concomitantly reduced³⁸. Interestingly, this process has been attributed to CBS, which accumulates in mitochondria under hypoxic conditions because the degradation of CBS by Lon protease in the mitochondrial matrix is greatly reduced in the absence of oxygen³⁶. However, H₂S production in the brain is possible via MPST as an alternative to CBS³⁹. Likewise, upregulation of CBS can replenish H₂S levels in the cerebral cortex of CTH-deficient mice^40,41. Together, these findings show that translocation or expression of any of these enzymes can change to maintain H₂S synthesis when one of the other enzymes is genetically removed^42,43. Further studies are required to investigate the compensatory mechanisms of H₂S production under various pathophysiological conditions, including the tissue-specific roles of these enzymes.

Sulfide catabolism

The metabolic clearance of H₂S via detoxification pathways is crucial to maintaining an appropriate physiological balance of H₂S and its metabolites. The bioavailability of H₂S is influenced by both the direct catabolism and cysteine metabolism of endogenous H₂S in biological systems. Several enzymes catabolize H₂S — mitochondrial sulfide–quinone oxidoreductase (SQOR), which oxidizes H₂S to a hydropersulfide; mitochondrial persulfide dioxygenase ETHE1 (also known as ethylmalonic encephalopathy protein 1), which oxidizes the sulfide downstream of SQOR; and cysteine dioxygenase, which catabolizes cysteine to cysteine sulfinic acid^44,45. Additionally, cytosolic methylation, glutathione disulfide, or other metallo-containing or disulfide-containing molecules can scavenge H₂S and regulate its levels^46,47. Sulfates, such as thiosulfate, are major end products of H₂S metabolism under physiological conditions⁵ (Fig. 1a). Sulfates can be further converted into sulfite and sulfate by thiosulfate–cyanide sulfurtransferase and sulfite oxidase, respectively. Lastly, H₂S and methaemoglobin form sulfhaemoglobin, resulting in H₂S depletion⁴⁸.

Detection of sulfide metabolites

Improved technology and novel analytical methods to identify H₂S in its various chemical forms have allowed the intricacies of this molecule’s bioavailability and biological function to be studied. However, the measurement of H₂S can still be challenging owing to its complex chemical signature and the various biological forms of sulfide. Detection methods for free and acid-labile H₂S and pools of sulfane sulfur — including hydropersulfides, polysulfides and oxoacids of sulfur — have been reviewed previously^{16,22,49–53} (Box 1).

In contrast to H₂S, the biological effects of sulfur metabolites, including hydropersulfides and polysulfides, are largely unknown. Also, the functions of the H₂S-producing enzymes in vascular disease remain unexplored and are a major knowledge gap. Fortunately, new analytical and biochemical methods have been developed to study hydropersulfide and polysulfide species⁵². The pitfalls associated with sulfide quantification analysis have been reviewed previously^22,54,55.

Box 1 Detection and quantification of sulfide.

The methylene blue method is the easiest and most frequently used, but most controversial, method for the detection of sulfide²¹⁴. First developed for quantification of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in non-biological samples, the assay is based on forming methylene blue in the presence of ferric iron under acidic conditions. Large background noise due to methylene blue aggregates and sulfide release from other biochemical forms due to acidic treatments contribute to the substantial limitations of the assay⁵⁴. New analytical techniques have subsequently been developed to measure sulfide metabolites using the monobromobimane–high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry techniques, that enable highly accurate detection of sulfides^16,53. The detection limit and the stability of the monobromobimane method allows batch storage and analysis and has been applied in both basic experimental and human research studies, validating the accuracy of this approach for detecting important metabolic responses^18,215–217. Other analytical methods for detecting sulfide, hydropersulfides and polysulfides, such as those using β-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl iodoacetamide (HPE-IAM) and N-iodoacetyl l-tyrosine methyl ester (TME-IAM), have also been reported^47,218. Polarographic H₂S sensors can also detect H₂S levels in the nanomolar range and provide real-time measurement of H₂S from biological samples^218,219. Although this method is reliable, some reports suggest that it might not detect sulfide²²⁰. A gas chromatography–chemiluminescence sulfur detection method using an alkylation technique to extract H₂S has also been reported to accurately measure H₂S in biological samples at the nanomolar level^221,222. Numerous H₂S and sulfane sulfur-sensitive fluorescence probes (including Washington State probe-1, synchronous fluorescence-1/2, dansyl azide, sulfide-selective fluorescent probe-1/2,7-azido-4-methylcoumarin, sulfane sulfur probe 4 and PSP-3) have been identified, and their use has rapidly expanded in the field of H₂S pathobiology.

Sulfides in the cardiovascular system

The three gasotransmitters are involved in regulating an array of vital biological functions in the cardiovascular, neurological and immune systems at the cellular and organ levels^4,56. NO and H₂S have similar and inter-relating physiological and pathological functions in the cardiovascular system⁴, and the signalling pathways of these molecules often work in tangent^4,11. H₂S was initially identified as an endogenous neuromodulator and vasorelaxant, with subsequent studies revealing broader functions^4,6,57,58. The literature clearly demonstrates the protective effects and regulatory functions of H₂S in animal models of cardiovascular pathophysiology^59–61, but the role of H₂S and its metabolites in clinical CVD is less well studied¹⁵.

Sulfide regulation and signalling in CVD

Evidence has increasingly demonstrated that disturbed H₂S production is relevant to cardiac pathologies. From a clinical perspective, H₂S has been posited to have a protective role against the onset and development of atherosclerosis^62–64. Whereas defects in H₂S signalling, including its synthesizing enzymes, can lead to CVD and associated complications^15,65–68, H₂S-based interventions have proved to be beneficial in preventing adult-onset CVD in animal studies via the reversal of disease-programming processes⁶⁹. Plasma H₂S levels have been shown to be significantly lower in patients with coronary heart disease than in angiographically normal control individuals⁷⁰. Moreover, plasma H₂S levels are significantly lower in patients with unstable angina or acute MI than in those with stable angina⁷⁰. In another study, patients with heart failure had marked reductions in circulating H₂S levels compared with healthy age-matched control individuals⁷¹. However, H₂S can be a ‘double-edged sword’ with beneficial effects at lower concentrations, but potentially harmful effects at higher concentrations. Balancing endogenous H₂S synthesis and the exogenous H₂S-releasing agents that can impinge on the delicate H₂S balance is important and requires scrutiny in the complex relationship between H₂S and CVD.

Initially, H₂S as a single entity was thought to mediate signalling events and biological functions. However, many other forms of sulfide (hydropersulfides and polysulfides) are also likely to have important signalling roles under physiological and pathophysiological conditions^15,72–74. Whereas H₂S has emerged as an important molecule in various cardiovascular functions, less certainty exists about the synthesis and biological effects of other forms of sulfide in discrete cellular compartments. H₂S signals through distinct mechanisms to regulate various pathophysiological functions via interaction with other signalling molecules, including reactive sulfur species, NO, haem centres and antioxidant defence molecules, and post-translational modification of proteins via sulfhydration (also referred to as persulfuration). Sulfhydration alters protein function and has been shown to upregulate numerous protective signalling pathways^75–77. However, the pathophysiological roles of hydropersulfides, polysulfides and small oxoacids of sulfide require further exploration.

H₂S-synthesizing enzyme polymorphisms

H₂S-synthesizing enzymes have a significant association with CVD^18,78,79. A correlation was found between H₂S and NO bioavailability in patients with CVD, and H₂S metabolite levels were predictive of CVD in a sex-specific and ethnicity-specific manner¹⁸. Decreased levels of bound sulfane sulfur and total sulfide found in patients with coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease were a statistically indicative biomarker for CVD¹⁸. Moreover, a specific single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in CTH (1364G>T) was also identified as a potential risk factor in a substudy cohort, with a greater allelic mutation frequency across all forms of CVD than the previously identified 894G>T SNP in NOS3 (encoding endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)), which was associated only with coronary artery disease¹⁸. Similarly, a CTH 1364G>T polymorphism was identified in 178 white Greek patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery⁷⁹. Interestingly, the frequency of the CTH 1364TT genotype was numerically higher (but not significantly different) in female patients than in healthy female control individuals, whereas there was no difference in the frequency of this SNP between male patients and controls. These studies suggest an association between CTH polymorphisms and CVD; however, molecular studies of these SNPs in other, larger populations is needed.

Cardioprotective effects in IRI

MI occurs when the heart muscle is deprived of blood carrying oxygen and nutrients, leading to acute tissue ischaemia and cell death⁸⁰. Although reperfusion relieves ischaemia, it also results in complex reactions leading to inflammation and oxidative damage⁸¹, which contribute to infarct development^82–84. Growing evidence demonstrates that exogenous delivery of H₂S or modulation of endogenous H₂S improves cardiac function and reduces cardiac complications in IRI and various other cardiac conditions, including arrhythmias, heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis and MI^{46,61,81–85}. Exogenous H₂S therapy was shown to be cardioprotective in a mouse model of IRI⁶⁸. H₂S delivery reduced infarct size and preserved left ventricular function. Additionally, endogenous H₂S production by cardiac-specific CTH overexpression significantly limited myocardial injury. This study established that CTH–H₂S-mediated cryoprotection and inhibition of myocardial inflammation preserves myocardial and mitochondrial structure and function⁶⁸. Subsequent research from the same group identified the underlying protective mechanisms of CTH–H₂S therapy in a mouse model of heart failure⁸⁵. H₂S-induced cardiac protection was mediated via increased phosphorylation of RACα serine–threonine-protein kinase (AKT1; also known as protein kinase B), and nuclear localization of nuclear respiratory factor 1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, which significantly increased antioxidative signalling, inhibited apoptosis and increased mitochondrial biogenesis²⁷. Treatment with the H₂S donor diallyl trisulfide for 12 weeks preserved left ventricular function, reduced left ventricular remodelling and improved angiogenesis mediated via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–NO signalling in a mouse model of transverse aortic constriction⁸⁶. These findings clearly imply the involvement of endogenous H₂S in maintaining basal physiological cardiac function.

H₂S therapy can protect against IRI via activation of the tyrosine–protein kinase JAK2–signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling pathway. In a pig model of IRI, H₂S treatment markedly reduced MI-related damage, improving left ventricular function while concomitantly reducing apoptosis and increasing autophagy⁸⁷. Sodium hydrosulfide pretreatment protected rat isolated hearts against IRI by inhibiting opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore⁸⁸. Pharmacological inhibition of CTH increased infarct size in a rat model of IRI, which was rectified by H₂S therapy, leading to myocardial protection^89,90. Additionally, cardiac-specific CTH overexpression in transgenic mice significantly reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function compared with wild-type mice after IRI⁹¹. These findings indicate that both exogenous H₂S donors and endogenously elevated H₂S levels protect the heart against IRI, revealing potentially important therapeutic targets.

Studies have suggested that the cardioprotective effects of H₂S are mediated through various pathways^71,92–94. H₂S has an important role in promoting angiogenesis and ameliorating type 2 diabetes mellitus that also protect against IRI^8,95,96. Endogenous H₂S production also augments antioxidant signalling via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, reduces nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-mediated inflammatory signalling and facilitates NO signalling^60,97. Studies in animal models of MI, IRI and heart failure have revealed significant reductions in endogenous H₂S production that contribute to disease progression⁶¹. H₂S also protects against MI and IRI by opening K⁺_ATP channels^{23,29,98–101}. Furthermore, H₂S interacts with NO in a Cth^−/− mouse model of heart failure⁶¹. Cardiac remodelling and dysfunction were found to be worse in CTH-deficient mice than in wild-type mice. Reduced circulating H₂S levels in Cth^−/− mice directly led to cardiac dilatation and dysfunction, whereas exogenous H₂S therapy had cardioprotective effects via upregulation of the VEGF–AKT1–eNOS–NO–cGMP pathway, resulting in preserved mitochondrial function and increased myocardial vascular density⁶¹. Therapy with the sulfur-donating drug SG1002 in Cth^−/− mice increased myocardial vascular density and improved cardiac remodelling and function via the same pathway. In a later study, SG1002 was found to effectively increase circulating H₂S and circulating NO bioavailability, while attenuating B-type natriuretic peptide levels (a marker of cardiomyocyte stress and left ventricular dysfunction) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (NYHA class II–III)¹⁰².

Cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy

Cardiac hypertrophy is a crucial compensatory mechanism in the failing heart. It increases cardiac output and can occur in response to chronic pressure or volume overload and after MI. However, persistent hypertrophy is deleterious, resulting in cardiac dilatation, loss of contractile function and decreased ejection fraction, subsequently leading to heart failure¹⁰³. The protective role of H₂S in pathogenic cardiac hypertrophy is being increasingly demonstrated. In a model of cardiac hypertrophy, exogenous H₂S reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria and preserved cardiac mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby inhibiting hypertrophy and cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improving cardiac function¹⁰⁴. Furthermore, reduced levels of endogenous CTH and H₂S increased oxidative stress and induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis¹⁰⁴. Hypertrophic signalling pathways activated in response to MI are defective in Cth^−/− mice¹⁰⁵, but treatment with the exogenous H₂S donor GYY4137 from 2 h after the onset of MI reduced infarct size, cardiac hypertrophy and adverse remodelling and preserved cardiac function in both Cth^−/− and wild-type mice¹⁰⁵. An age-dependent association was found between MPST and cardiac hypertrophy in mice¹⁰⁶. In young adult animals (aged 2–3 months), knocking out Mpst had a cardioprotective effect; however, in older mice (aged >18 months), the Mpst knockout resulted in reduced antioxidant signalling and subsequent hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy¹⁰⁶.

Endothelial function and vasodilatation

The vascular endothelium is the active component lining the entire circulatory system and controls numerous responses, such as vascular tone, vessel remodelling, oxidative stress defences, thrombosis and inflammation^107,108. Endothelial dysfunction is a crucial predictor of CVD^108–110. NO is one of the most important substances produced by the vascular endothelium and, as discussed above, the association and interaction between the H₂S and NO signalling pathways have substantial implications for cardiovascular protection^107–109. Our group and others have demonstrated that H₂S can preserve endothelial function through various mechanisms, including the post-translational stabilization of eNOS, leading to an increase in NO bioavailability, and the augmentation of nitrite–NO signalling^{13,14,60,111,112}.

H₂S can exert vasodilatory effects via regulation of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)–phosphodiesterase–cGMP–protein kinase G (PKG; also known as cGMP-dependent protein kinase) vascular relaxation signalling pathway¹¹³ or via K⁺_ATP, L-type Ca²⁺ and other ion channels^114–116. In a rat renal hypertension model, treatment with the fast-releasing H₂S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) dilated isolated aortic rings by relaxing vascular smooth muscle cells, mediated by increased cGMP–PKG activity, in a dose-dependent manner¹¹³. Similarly, the use of an H₂S and NO conjugated donor, ZYZ-803, induced time-dependent and dose-dependent vasodilatation of rat aortic rings by stimulating the cGMP pathway¹¹⁷. This vasorelaxant effect was suppressed with H₂S and NO inhibition. Inhibitors of PKG or the K⁺_ATP channel had similar effects, demonstrating that the protective effects of H₂S and NO are mediated via K⁺_ATP channel and cGMP pathways¹¹⁷. Another study, using human mesenteric arteries obtained from patients undergoing abdominal surgery, demonstrated NaHS-mediated K⁺_ATP channel-dependent vasorelaxation¹¹⁸. This response was completely inhibited after endothelium denudation or inhibition of eNOS or cGMP, indicating a role for these signalling pathways in NaHS-mediated vasorelaxation¹¹⁸. Researchers demonstrated dose-dependent H₂S-induced vasoregulation in isolated blood vessels (including aortic, carotid, renal and iliac arteries) from rabbits¹¹⁹. As with NO donors, vasodilatation occurred with low doses of H₂S, but vasoconstriction occurred with high doses of H₂S¹¹⁹. These studies clearly indicate that H₂S has a prominent role in regulating endothelium-dependent signalling activities (Fig. 2a).

Fig. 2. Sulfide signalling and chemical reaction pathways.

a | An ischaemia-driven increase in the expression and function of cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH) leads to sulfide metabolite production, which affects both endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) activation. This cascade leads to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO) production, stimulating the monocyte recruitment and endothelial cell (EC) proliferation necessary for angiogenesis and arteriogenesis. b | Sulfide post-translational modifications of eNOS and cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1α (PKG1α), together with electrophilic sulfhydration of 8-nitro-cGMP to 8-SH-cGMP, the soluble guanylate cyclase-β1 subunit (sGCβ1) to sGCβ1 persulfide (sGC-SSH) and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) to PDE5 persulfide (PDE5-SSH), contribute to increased cGMP levels and subsequent protein kinase G (PKG) activity. c | The effect of sulfide and polysulfide on xanthine oxidase (XO)-dependent nitrite (NO₂⁻) reduction via interaction with either Fe–S clusters or a molybdenum cofactor (Mo-co) domain, which is inhibited by 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP) or febuxostat, respectively. AKT1, RACα serine–threonine protein kinase; BK_Ca, large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel; FGF2, fibroblast growth factor 2; H₂S, hydrogen sulfide; K_ATP, ATP-sensitive potassium channel; K_v7, voltage-gated potassium channels; PI3K, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase.

Interestingly, in addition to the effects of H₂S, prolonged NO and cGMP signalling might be sustained by sulfide metabolite modifications of eNOS, cGMP or PKG^120–122 (Fig. 2b). H₂S-mediated sulfhydration of eNOS Cys443 facilitates its catalytic activity, maximizing NO generation¹²⁰. The HS⁻ anion can also mediate the electrophilic sulfhydration of 8-nitro-cGMP to form 8-SH-cGMP, which stabilizes cGMP release and modulates cellular redox signalling¹²². H₂S can also stabilize cGMP release by catalysing the formation of a protein disulfide within PKG1α, thereby stimulating the activity of PKG¹²¹. This modification has been shown to have substantial physiological effects that can reduce blood pressure. H₂S significantly lowers blood pressure in wild-type mice, but not in PKG1α Cys42Ser knock-in mice¹²³, revealing the functional implications of this modification.

H₂S can induce sGC activation and decrease cGMP degradation by blunting phosphodiesterase activity. The involvement of CTH and H₂S in mediating the vasodilatation of aortic rings via cGMP was demonstrated through inhibition of cGMP-specific 3′,5′-cyclic phosphodiesterase (PDE5; also known as phosphodiesterase type 5)¹¹³. H₂S can increase sGC levels via sulfhydration of sGCβ1 and reducing sGCαβ1 dimers in vascular tissues¹²⁴. Furthermore, H₂S markedly decreased PDE5A homodimer formation via sulfhydration of PDE5, thereby reducing PDE5 activity, facilitating cGMP stabilization and significantly decreasing levels of 5′-GMP¹²⁴. Other studies have also demonstrated endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in response to H₂S donors via a NO–cGMP-dependent pathway^113,125,126.

H₂S enzymatic pathways are important in the regulation of endothelial vascular function¹²⁷. As discussed above, CTH-generated H₂S mediates smooth muscle relaxation and subsequent vasodilatation^113,124. However, regulation of CTH in the vascular endothelium remains poorly characterized. Studies have shown that genetic deletion of H₂S-producing enzymes, and the subsequent reduction in H₂S levels, results in impaired vasodilatation^28,111. In a global Cth^−/− mouse model, reduced H₂S levels lead to hypertension²⁸. Additionally, mesenteric arteries were markedly impaired in Cth^−/− mice, and removal of the endothelium prevented methacholine-induced relaxation in both wild-type and mutant arteries²⁸. Our group has extended this observation using a non-invasive, flow-mediated dilatation model in global Cth^−/− mice¹¹¹. Femoral artery dilatation was defective, and distal tissue blood flow was compromised. Both these effects were mediated by sulfide-dependent reduction of nitrite back to NO by xanthine oxidase and were reversed with diallyl trisulfide treatment¹¹¹ (Fig. 2c). Another study demonstrated that deletion of Cth decreased H₂S and cardiac NO production, impairing endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation. Transgenic overexpression of endothelial CTH restored H₂S and NO levels in the cardiovascular system and vasorelaxation in thoracic aorta^61,128. These studies reveal interactions between H₂S and NO signalling in the regulation of vascular tone. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms mediated by cell-specific functions of CTH, H₂S and its metabolites.

Inflammation and atherosclerosis

Evidence suggests that H₂S protects against the development and progression of atherosclerosis^129,130, which involves endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation and is a major mediator of clinical CVD. Exogenous H₂S supplementation has salutary effects on atherogenesis, and the reduction in endogenous CTH or H₂S levels accelerates atherosclerosis^62,131,132. Atherosclerotic lesion formation was inhibited by NaHS in Apoe^−/− mice, whereas the CTH inhibitor dl-propargylglycine significantly reduced H₂S levels and resulted in accelerated plaque formation¹³¹. Genetic CTH deficiency significantly increases atherosclerosis development in Apoe^−/− mice⁶². Disruption of the vascular redox status was observed, as well as increased intimal proliferation and inflammatory adhesion molecule expression⁶². Exogenous H₂S treatment inhibits the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules, including intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion protein 1 and E-selectin, by suppressing NF-κB activity and attenuating atherosclerotic pathogenesis¹³¹. Exogenous H₂S therapy protects the endothelium, inhibits the development of vascular lesions and reduces blood pressure in Apoe^−/− mice fed a high-fat diet¹³². In this study, H₂S donors such as diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide protected against oxidized LDL-induced atherosclerotic plaque formation by inhibiting the activation of eNOS^132–134.

Homocysteine metabolizes in the body to produce H₂S. However, increased homocysteine synthesis (hyperhomocysteinaemia) inactivates CTH¹³⁵. Hyperhomocysteinaemia has a strong correlation with premature coronary artery disease^136,137 secondary to atherosclerosis via decreased H₂S production, which leads to sustained endothelial cell injury and the induction of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation^138,139.

H₂S can induce anti-inflammatory signalling via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ (PPARδ) and suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3), which mediates vascular remodelling¹⁴⁰. Therefore, endogenous H₂S deficiency could be a risk factor for vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction. Endogenous H₂S deficiency generated vascular remodelling with aggravated active and passive contraction, thickened aortic walls, collagen deposition, increased STAT3 phosphorylation and decreased aortic production of PPARδ and SOCS3, which were all reversed by treatment with NaHS¹⁴⁰. Importantly, SOCS3 mediates anti-inflammatory effects in hypertension and obesity via inhibition of tyrosine–protein kinase JAK1–STAT signalling¹⁴⁰, preserving endothelial function in experimental hypertension, suppressing inflammation in macrophages after treatment with lipopolysaccharides and inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation^141,142. These studies strongly establish anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory roles for CTH and H₂S in animal models of atherosclerosis.

Angiogenesis and vascular remodelling

Angiogenesis is a regulated process of microvascular growth that can revascularize ischaemic tissue. H₂S induces angiogenesis by increasing endothelial cell proliferation and migration¹⁴³. Exogenous H₂S (NaHS) increases cell growth, migration and the formation of tube-like structures in cultured endothelial cells¹⁴³. These effects were concentration-dependent and mediated via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)–AKT1 signalling. The researchers confirmed their observations in vivo using a Matrigel plug assay to assess neovascularization in mice¹⁴³.

Studies from our group and others have established that H₂S promotes arteriogenesis and angiogenesis, and improves regional blood flow in ischaemic limbs, indicating prominent vascular growth and remodelling in ischaemic tissues^8,13,14,144. Chronic ischaemia of the limb during peripheral vascular disease remains largely resistant to medical therapy¹⁴⁵, and translational approaches to restore perfusion to the distal limb and improve outcomes are limited¹⁴⁶. Therefore, H₂S is an attractive therapeutic target for limb ischaemia. A study showed the pro-angiogenic effects of H₂S in a rat model of chronic limb ischaemia¹⁴⁴. H₂S upregulated collateral vessel growth and capillary density mediated by upregulation of the VEGF–AKT1 pathway¹⁴⁴. Similarly, an H₂S donor restored vascular density and remodelling and, subsequently, blood flow and tissue perfusion in mice with hindlimb ischaemia¹⁴. These effects were mediated via upregulation of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α–VEGF–AKT1 pathway that induces the eNOS–sGC–cGMP–PKG system downstream^14,147. Our group has demonstrated a unique interaction between H₂S and NO, in which H₂S significantly increases NO levels in plasma and ischaemic limb tissue, followed by downregulation of H₂S when NO levels are elevated, suggesting a hierarchical order of gasotransmitter production^13,14,111. These beneficial effects of H₂S on NO levels in ischaemic tissue did not depend exclusively on NOS activity, because nitrite anion reduction back to NO was also involved and was blunted by febuxostat-dependent inhibition of xanthine oxidase^14,111.

In Cth^−/− mice, chronic tissue ischaemia was associated with impaired ischaemic vascular remodelling and reductions in endogenous H₂S production, monocyte recruitment and expression of VEGF and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2; also known as basic fibroblast growth factor)¹³. Exogenous treatment with diallyl trisulfide restored plasma and tissue NO levels, monocyte recruitment, arteriogenesis, ischaemic vascular remodelling and an angiogenic cytokine expression pattern¹³. VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) can also act as a receptor target for H₂S during angiogenesis¹⁴⁸. Downregulation of VEGFR2 during ischaemia can be reversed by H₂S via phosphorylation at Tyr996 of the receptor¹⁴⁴. Exogenous H₂S can also increase AKT1 phosphorylation and upregulate angiogenic signalling including mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), MAPK3 and MAPK11 (also known as ERK2, ERK1 and p38, respectively), which can be attenuated by MAPK inhibition, indicating a role for this pathway in H₂S-mediated angiogenesis⁹⁹.

Shear stress

Shear stress has major effects on vascular function and stimulates adaptive changes in blood vessel structure and size. Vascular endothelial cells are exposed to haemodynamic forces, which modulate their functions in health and disease. Low, or oscillatory, shear stress can promote vascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis, whereas physiological high shear stress is protective¹⁴⁹. Changes in blood flow can trigger a cascade of biochemical signalling that mediates changes in biological events. Endothelial cells are crucial sensors of shear stress, but the mechanisms by which they decode complex shear stress environments to regulate physiological and pathophysiological responses are incompletely understood.

Shear stress-induced collateral vessel formation can be inhibited by blocking NO–VEGF–Rho GTPase signalling pathways and by upregulation of signalling mechanisms facilitating monocyte recruitment and attachment to the endothelium via adhesion molecules^150,151. Our group has revealed the role of CTH and H₂S in shear stress¹⁵². In a Cth^−/− mouse model of partial carotid ligation, reduced medial thickening and a dilated arterial phenotype was identified, indicating a defective inward vascular remodelling response (Fig. 3a). Oscillatory shear stress upregulated CTH expression and subsequent sulfane sulfur levels, which induced monocyte and macrophage recruitment into regions of disturbed flow. Importantly, a reduction in inward vascular remodelling in Cth^−/− mice was associated with increased NO bioavailability that was reversed by the NO scavenger cPTIO¹⁵². These findings reveal that CTH expression is important in shear stress-dependent responses in atheroprone vascular regions and involves both endothelial activation and flow-dependent vascular remodelling through altered NO bioavailability. In accordance with our observations, other groups have demonstrated the role of CTH and sulfane sulfur in atherosclerosis under varied shear stress¹⁵³. Endothelial-specific Cth deletion accelerated the development of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. CTH expression was upregulated in a mouse model of partial carotid artery ligation and in atheromas from human patients. However, circulating and intraplaque H₂S levels were reduced owing to Ser377 phosphorylation of CTH, which inhibits the enzyme¹⁵³ (Fig. 3b). Consistent with the loss of H₂S, human antigen R (HuR) sulfhydration was blunted in atherosclerosis, resulting in stabilization of the HuR target mRNAs encoding E-selectin and cathepsin S, both of which are linked to endothelial cell activation and atherosclerosis. CTH-derived H₂S can sulfhydrate HuR Cys13 and prevent its homodimerization and activity, thereby attenuating the expression of E-selectin and cathepsin S¹⁵³. As such, increased E-selectin expression facilitates monocyte adherence and recruitment under atherogenic conditions. The endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis associated with Cth deletion in endothelial cells were reversed with administration of the polysulfide donor SG1002, indicating its potential use in modulating inflammatory vascular responses¹⁵³.

Fig. 3. Sulfide regulation of cardiovascular responses involving CTH expression and function.

a | Cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH) expression and sulfane sulfur production are increased by disturbed blood flow in conduit vessels, causing increased macrophage recruitment to these areas, leading to flow-induced vascular remodelling. In Cth^−/− mice, sulfane sulfur levels in response to partial carotid artery ligation are reduced, leading to defective inward remodelling and a dilated vascular phenotype, which results from elevated nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. b | In regions of laminar blood flow, CTH-derived polysulfide inactivates human antigen R (HuR) via S-sulfhydration (HuR-S-SH), thereby attenuating E-selectin expression, which regulates vascular inflammation and atherogenesis. In regions of disturbed blood flow, defective CTH or polysulfide leads to HuR activation and subsequent E-selectin stability, which induces endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction and atherogenesis. c | Regulation of endothelial permeability by CTH-derived sulfur species increases endothelial solute permeability and leads to disruption of the endothelial junction proteins claudin 5 and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, together with increased actin stress fibre formation. d | Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) modulates cardiac ion channels both directly and indirectly, leading to electrical remodelling. Reduced CTH-derived sulfide bioavailability (for example, owing to EC dysfunction or in Cth^−/− mice) increases atrial superoxide levels and the frequency of atrial cell calcium sparks, slows atrial conduction velocity and prolongs both the action potential duration and atrial effective refractory period, all of which contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation. WT, wild-type.

Another study by the same group demonstrated the molecular mechanisms of shear stress-mediated reduction of CTH expression in human and mouse endothelial cells¹⁵⁴. An inverse relationship was observed between CTH and Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), which is involved in shear-stress mediated atheroprotective pathways¹⁵⁵. CTH was identified as a direct target of the KLF2-regulated microRNA-27b¹⁵⁴. Increased CTH expression in human plaque-derived endothelial cells also negatively correlated with KLF2 and microRNA-27b levels¹⁵⁴. However, decreased CTH expression led to the loss of peroxiredoxin 6 (PRX6) Cys47 sulfhydration causing PRX6 hyperoxidation and inhibition, which subsequently increased endothelial ROS and lipid membrane peroxidation. These effects were reversed by polysulfide supplementation¹⁵⁴. Additionally, statin therapy, which can activate KLF2, decreased CTH expression and increased CTH activity, thereby preventing phosphorylation of CTH at Ser377 and partially restoring PRX6 sulfhydration in plaque specimens from arteries of statin-treated patients¹⁵².

In 2021, the same group of researchers reported mechanotransduction signalling changes via proteome S-sulfhydration in the setting of atherosclerotic vascular dysfunction⁷⁷. In this study, 3,446 cysteine residues from 1,591 proteins in endothelial cells that can influence vascular reactivity were analysed. S-sulfhydration of β3 integrin was required for mechanotransduction in native endothelial cells isolated from mouse and human vessels. Exogenous sulfide treatment with SG1002 resulfhydrated endothelial cell proteins and β3 integrin, partially restoring endothelial cell function and vascular blood flow⁷⁷. These observations indicate a potential role for polysulfide therapeutics in rectifying vascular function in human vascular disease.

Vascular barrier function

Vascular permeability and endothelial selective molecular sieving are crucial for several physiological functions, including tissue–fluid homeostasis, angiogenesis and vessel tone¹⁵⁶. Regulated passage of macromolecules between the blood and interstitial space is important for physiological homeostasis. Vascular hyperpermeability is associated with numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes, such as inflammation, tumorigenesis, ischaemic injury, wound healing, and vascular growth and remodelling¹⁵⁷. As discussed above, CTH and H₂S have important regulatory roles in vessel remodelling and maintenance of cellular homeostasis, and cytotoxic effects^147,158.

Vascular permeability can be increased via upregulation of VEGF and extracellular matrix signalling pathways, which causes endothelial contraction and junction protein disruption, resulting in intercellular gaps with greater permeability¹⁵⁹. H₂S therapy inhibits vascular hyperpermeability and endothelial blood–brain barrier disruption in mice undergoing cardiac arrest. Treatment with exogenous H₂S was shown to decrease matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) activity and VEGF expression, and increase the expression of angiogenin I, preserving the normal function of the blood–brain barrier¹⁶⁰. A study of ethanol-induced toxicity in mouse brain endothelial cells demonstrated the protective effects of H₂S on endothelial hyperpermeability¹⁶¹. In a subarachnoid haemorrhage model, NaHS therapy attenuated brain oedema, blood–brain barrier disruption and cerebral vasospasm¹⁶². In addition, exogenous H₂S was shown to reduce vascular protein leakage and leukocyte infiltration in a mouse model of particulate matter-induced lung inflammation¹⁶³.

Our group has shown that H₂S and polysulfides regulate permeability and barrier function in mouse aortic endothelial cells¹⁶⁴. Reduction of CTH expression in either Cth^−/− cells or via small interfering RNA inhibition resulted in tighter endothelial barrier function. Genetic loss of CTH expression and reduced bound sulfane sulfur levels prevented VEGF-mediated permeability in vivo. Importantly, the reduction in CTH and sulfide metabolite levels augmented claudin 5 expression and enhanced tight junction arrangement, contributing to improved endothelial barrier function (Fig. 3c). Although permeability is crucial in regulating both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular homeostasis, most of the literature is currently focused on the blood–brain barrier^165,166. Further studies investigating CTH regulation of sulfide and its metabolites on changes in endothelial solute permeability are needed to increase our understanding of the endothelial barrier dysfunction during pathophysiological conditions.

Cardiac arrhythmias

H₂S is postulated to be antiarrhythmic but, although some molecular pathways have been explored, cell studies, animal models and translational research on this hypothesis are limited. The clearest evidence so far linking H₂S and arrhythmias is the capacity of this molecule to regulate the electrical properties of cardiac tissues. H₂S modulates ion channels both directly and indirectly, leading to electrical remodelling (Fig. 3d). Ca²⁺ and Ca²⁺-binding proteins are intrinsically involved in cardiac arrhythmias. Variants in L-type Ca²⁺ channels are linked to a variety of arrhythmias, and sulfide donors are known to inhibit L-type Ca²⁺ currents and reduce intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations^167,168. A decrease in action potential duration (APD) was reported with sodium hydrosulfide, facilitated by the reduction in peak L-type Ca²⁺ current and Ca²⁺ transients¹⁰¹. Although sulfide donors are also known to modulate T-type Ca²⁺ channels in the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, no studies have been reported on the effects of H₂S on T-type Ca²⁺ currents in cardiomyocytes^114,169.

In addition to regulating voltage-gated ion channels, H₂S also affects Ca²⁺-binding proteins. Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), a ubiquitous and abundant serine–threonine kinase, has emerged as an important signalling molecule in cardiac arrhythmias. CaMKII has been implicated in the mechanisms of sinus node dysfunction, atrial tachyarrhythmias and ventricular arrhythmias^170–172. H₂S inhibits CaMKII, thereby potentially acting as an antiarrhythmic molecule. Sulfide donors, such as sodium NaHS, inhibit CaMKII phosphorylation through its sulfhydration. Moreover, reduced levels of H₂S in Cth^−/− mice have been associated with increased CaMKII activity¹⁷³.

Treatment of rat atrial myocytes with NaHS has been shown to reduce APD and decelerate the sinus rhythm⁹⁸. Decreases in APD at 50% and 90% repolarization by NaHS were blocked by the K⁺_ATP channel blocker glibenclamide, suggesting that sulfide-induced APD shortening is mediated by K⁺_ATP channels⁹⁸. This effect of NaHS on APD shortening has been replicated in rat ventricular myocytes¹⁷⁴. Although the mechanism behind the effects of sulfide donors in opening the K⁺_ATP channels is not well understood, on the basis of findings in vascular smooth muscle cells, sulfide donors are thought to cause sulfhydration of the K_ir6.1 subunit of the K⁺_ATP channel¹⁷⁵.

In addition to modulating K⁺_ATP channels, blockade of H₂S biosynthesis with dl-propargylglycine has been shown to increase angiotensin II-induced K⁺_ATP expression in cultured atrial myocytes from neonatal rats¹⁷⁶. Moreover, in the same study, 24-h rapid atrial pacing in a beagle model of atrial fibrillation (AF) increased atrial angiotensin II and K⁺_ATP expression, which was inhibited by NaHS supplementation⁷⁰. Although the effects of H₂S on ion channels might be the primary antiarrhythmic mechanism, H₂S can also reduce adverse structural remodelling¹⁷⁷. Electrical anisotropy increases with age-related fibrosis by aiding electrotonic coupling between cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts or myofibroblasts, and can lead to electrical dissociation in the atrium and AF¹⁷⁸. In cell proliferation assays with human cultured fibroblasts, NaHS reduced atrial fibroblast proliferation induced by transforming growth factor-β1, mothers against decapentaplegic homologue 3 (SMAD3) and angiotensin II¹⁷⁷. Furthermore, H₂S also inhibits the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts¹⁷⁷.

Diabetes increases atrial fibrosis, decreases atrial expression of the PI3K–AKT1–eNOS pathway, and increases the inducibility and duration of AF in rats¹⁷⁹. These effects were inhibited by intraperitoneal injection of NaHS¹⁷⁹. Our group found that Cth^−/− mice with reduced levels of endogenous H₂S had increased AF inducibility and duration compared with wild-type mice, which was reversed by extrinsic supplementation with the H₂S donor diallyl trisulfide¹⁸⁰. Low sulfide levels in the atria of Cth^−/− mice were related to increased superoxide levels, increased frequency of atrial cell Ca²⁺ sparks, prolonged APD and atrial effective refractory period, and slower atrial conduction velocity (Fig. 3d). In a case–control analysis performed in parallel to this study, we found that patients with AF had reduced levels of acid-labile sulfide (the storage form of H₂S) compared with control individuals who had other cardiovascular conditions. We also showed a novel association between endothelial dysfunction and atrial remodelling mediated by H₂S in the pathogenesis of AF¹⁸⁰. Uniquely, H₂S can also act as a paracrine signalling molecule. In the global Cth^−/− mouse model of AF discussed above, transgenic reconstitution of CTH in endothelial cells reduced the atrial effective refractory period and APD, normalized the frequency of Ca²⁺ sparks, and decreased the inducibility and duration of AF¹⁸⁰.

H₂S has been shown to be antiarrhythmic not only in the atria; emerging research indicates that sulfide donors might also have a role in preventing life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. NaHS was first shown to reduce the arrhythmia burden in an ex vivo model of IRI¹⁸¹. In another rat model of IRI, α-lipoic acid increased H₂S and sulfane sulfur levels, thereby reducing ventricular ectopy and sustained ventricular arrhythmias^182–184. CTH was reported to be upregulated in the heart of rats with IRI and, interestingly, plasma H₂S levels were inversely related to the arrhythmia scores¹⁸⁵. In a later study, mitochondrial sulfide donor compounds, but not global sulfide donors, reduced the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in a rat in vivo model of ischaemia–reperfusion¹⁸⁶. These studies show that intracellular and paracrine H₂S signalling can regulate electrical and structural remodelling in the heart, reducing the risk of arrhythmias mediated by various risk factors.

Sulfide therapies for CVD

As discussed in this Review, many cardiovascular conditions — including hypertension, stroke, IRI, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, atherosclerosis, arrhythmias and vascular pathologies related to diabetes — can potentially be treated with H₂S^96,187–189. Clinical studies have shown that plasma H₂S levels inversely correlate with the severity of CVD, particularly hypertension and stroke, and children with hypertension have reduced plasma H₂S levels compared with healthy children^190,191. Table 1 lists interventional and observational clinical trials related to sulfide treatment for CVD.

Table 1.

Selected interventional trials and observational studies on sulfides and CVD

Trial name	Study type	Number of patients	Status	Study population	Main findings	Intervention	Study period (year)	Ref.
Interventional trials using sulfide donors
Assessing the safety and ability of SG1002 to overcome deficits in hydrogen sulfide in heart failure patients	Randomized controlled trial	16	Completed	Patients with heart failure and healthy individuals	SG1002 increases H2S and NO bioavailability	SG1002 versus placebo	2014–2015	102
Assessing the safety and bioactivity of SG1002 in heart failure patients	Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial	50	NA	Patients with heart failure	NA	Sodium polysulthionate versus placebo	2016–2018	204
Sodium thiosulfate to preserve cardiac function in STEMI	Multicentre, double-blind, randomized controlled trial	38	Active, not recruiting	Patients with MI and/or heart failure	NA	Sodium thiosulfate versus placebo	2018–2021	205
Taurine supplementation on lower extremity vasculopathy in patients with diabetes	Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial	20	NA	Patients with diabetes mellitus and/or lower-extremity artery disease	NA	Taurine versus placebo	2017–2018	206
Effects and safety of taurine granule on blood pressure in prehypertensive (ESTAB)	Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial	12	NA	Patients with prehypertension	Taurine supplementation mediated H2S levels that reduced hypertensive effect and improved vascular function	Taurine granules versus placebo	2012–2015	207
Short-term endogenous hydrogen sulfide upregulation	Randomized clinical trial	Planned 40; actual 9	Completed	Patients with carotid stenosis and undergoing carotid endarterectomy	Dietary intervention increased abundance of sulfide-producing bacteria and was protective in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy	Protein calorie restriction versus controlled regular diet	2017–2018	208
Effect of garlic (Allium sativum) on blood lipids, blood sugar, fibrinogen and fibrinolytic activity in patients with coronary artery disease	Placebo-controlled trial (randomization unclear)	60	Completed	CAD	Polysulfides (diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide) in garlic oil showed antiplatelet activity	Garlic oil versus placebo	1997	209
A randomized trial of the effects of garlic oil upon coronary heart disease risk factors in trained male runners	Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial	27	Completed	Healthy male runners aged 17–45 years	Garlic oil supplementation reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thereby lowering the risk of chronic heart disease	Garlic oil versus placebo	2000 (publication date)	210
Clinical study on effect of garlicin in stabilizing the carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque in patients with primary hypertension and coronary artery disease	Randomized controlled trial	79	Completed	Patients with primary hypertension and CAD	Garlicin is vasoprotective in patients with primary hypertension and carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque	Garlicin and fosinopril versus fosinopril alone	2006 (publication date)	211
Effect of combined supplementation of fish oil with garlic pearls on the serum lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic subjects	Controlled clinical trial (no randomization, no placebo)	32	Completed	Patients with hypercholesterolaemia	Co-administration of garlic pearls with fish oil can be effective in managing dyslipidaemia	Fish oil with garlic versus placebo	2005 (publication date)	212
Observational studies measuring sulfide metabolites
Plasma hydrogen sulfide, nitric oxide and stress hyperglycemia in acute myocardial infarction	Prospective cohort study	Estimated 50	NA	Patients with acute MI versus patients 12 h after MI	NA	NR	2019	213
Hydrogen sulfide and peripheral arterial disease	Cross-sectional cohort study	252	Completed	Patients aged >40 years undergoing catheterization for CAD or PAD; symptomatic PAD versus asymptomatic PAD versus no PAD	Plasma-free H2S levels are significantly elevated in acute vascular disease	NR	2011–2012	110
Measurement of distinct biological pools of hydrogen sulfide in women with cardiovascular disease	Prospective case–control study	137	Completed	Women with or without PAD or CAD, with or without CVD risk factors	Plasma-bound and total sulfide levels were significantly reduced and indicative of CVD	NR	2013–2017	18
Hydrogen sulfide and atrial fibrillation	Prospective case–control study	116	Completed	Patients aged 18–89 years with atrial fibrillation versus patients without atrial fibrillation	CTH and H2S bioavailability regulates electrical remodelling and susceptibility to atrial fibrillation	NR	2018–2019	180

CAD, coronary artery disease; CTH, cystathionine γ-lyase; CVD, cardiovascular disease; MI, myocardial infarction; NA, not available; NR, not relevant; PAD, peripheral artery disease; STEMI, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Administration of sulfides

Many natural products and drugs in current use carry sulfur-derived functional groups. Garlic has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and contains allicin that rapidly degrades into diallyl polysulfides, which can act as H₂S donors in the presence of thiols¹⁹². Preclinical and clinical trials have shown that garlic consumption reduces the risk of CVD¹⁹². Pharmacologically, H₂S can be administered in several ways, including by direct inhalation of the gas and orally or intravenously as inorganic sulfides or natural and synthetic H₂S donors⁹⁶. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Inhalation of H₂S can provide targeted treatment for conditions involving pulmonary defects, but carries a risk of toxicity and flammability. Oral or intravenous administration of inorganic sulfides can be site-directed, but these compounds have short half-lives and oxidize rapidly, which limits their use. Many natural and synthetic H₂S donors have poorly understood pharmacological mechanistic effects and possible toxicities⁹⁶.

Synthetic H₂S donors

Many currently available sulfide salts, natural H₂S compounds and synthetic H₂S donors have unsuitable pharmacokinetic profiles and undergo rapid hydrolysis, releasing H₂S in an uncontrollable manner that limits their clinical utility¹⁹³. Therefore, various novel, chemically stable and efficacious H₂S donors are being developed^{61,102,194–198}. Sodium thiosulfate is stable relative to other H₂S donors and is used for the treatment of cyanide intoxication, calcific uraemic arteriolopathy and renal toxicity induced by chemotherapy^{194,196–198}. This compound could also have value in treating CVD^185–188. For example, in mice with arteriovenous fistula-induced heart failure, treatment with sodium thiosulfate-supplemented drinking water attenuated cardiac decline and reduced the expression of MMP1, MMP9 and adenylate cyclase type 6 (ref.¹⁹⁷). Sodium thiosulfate also normalized ventricular H₂S levels, which were reduced by fistula-induced heart failure, suggesting that this H₂S donor restores cardiac function partly by increasing endogenous ventricular H₂S synthesis¹⁹⁷. In rats with angiotensin II-induced hypertensive heart disease, intraperitoneal injection of sodium thiosulfate attenuated hypertension, increased mRNA expression of natriuretic peptides, and reduced cardiac hypertrophy, oxidative stress, fibrosis and fibrosis-associated gene expression¹⁹⁸. Similarly, in rats with chronic deficiency of NO induced by the administration of N^ω-nitro-l-arginine, sodium thiosulfate-supplemented drinking water improved systolic function and reduced hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and oxidative stress¹⁹⁶. Interestingly, sodium thiosulfate was also cardioprotective in a rat model of cardiac ischaemia–reperfusion¹⁹⁵. SG1002 is novel, α-sulfur oral formulation H₂S prodrug discussed above in this Review. In a phase I clinical trial, SG1002 was safe and well-tolerated, increased plasma H₂S and nitrite levels, and reduced B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with heart failure¹⁰².

In addition, a mitochondria-targeted H₂S donor (AP39) has been developed, which stimulates mitochondrial bioenergetic functions and reduces damage induced by oxidative stress, thereby preserving cell viability, mitochondrial bioenergetics and genomic stability in endothelial cells¹⁹⁹. In a mouse model of heart transplantation, AP39 significantly increased cardiomyocyte viability and protected heart graft function following prolonged cold IRI²⁰⁰. These findings suggest that AP39 could have value in preventing IRI in human heart transplantation. The development of AP39 also indicates that H₂S donors that target specific subcellular locations could have important clinical benefits. Evidence also exists that many currently available drugs could be modified through the addition of sulfur-derived functional groups. For example, an H₂S-releasing diclofenac derivative markedly suppresses gastric prostaglandin synthesis without causing the gastric mucosal damage associated with chronic administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs²⁰¹.

Novel targets

An exciting aspect of H₂S donors and CVD lies in the many novel targets yet to be examined. For example, the mitochondrial protein mitofusin 2 is regulated by H₂S, and its dysfunction contributes to several cardiovascular pathologies, including dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure and IRI^202,203. Currently, no data exist on the use of H₂S donors in mitofusin 2-related CVD, which could be an important target for future research.

Crucially, several other areas require additional investigation before H₂S donors can be used clinically. Chemically stable H₂S donors must be developed to enable long-term therapy, optimal monitoring of H₂S levels in patients must be established, H₂S-induced toxicities need to be minimized and H₂S-dependent biomarkers should be identified.

Conclusions

Sulfides are crucially involved in cardiovascular health and disease. Although much has been learned about the various roles of sulfides, their synthesis and their catabolism, the field is still striving to understand specific mechanisms, mediators and conditions in which therapeutic sulfides could affect cardiovascular pathophysiology. Many important questions remain in the field of sulfide-based therapeutics for CVD. For example, how do sulfide metabolites affect cardiovascular cell function and disease? How do sulfide-synthesizing enzymes function in specific cardiovascular cell types and under various pathological conditions? What are the key molecular targets for sulfide-dependent cytoprotection against CVD? Are these molecules robust biomarkers for measuring the clinical efficacy of sulfide therapies? Which sulfide-based therapies are most effective in the treatment of CVD? We hope that future studies will help to provide the data needed to support the clinical use of sulfides in the treatment of CVD.

Author contributions

All the authors researched data for the article. G.K.K., R.E.S., P.D. and C.G.K. wrote the manuscript. G.K.K., R.E.S., X.S. and C.G.K. reviewed and edited the article before submission.

Peer review

Peer review information

Nature Reviews Cardiology thanks the anonymous reviewer(s) for their contribution to the peer review of this work.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.