Figure 1.
The conventional antioxidant paradigm of H2S in anti-aging. The biosynthesis of H2S in mammalian cells primarily involve cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST). From the viewpoint of the free radical theory of aging, oxidative stress caused by the excessive production and accumulation of ROS is a major cause of aging that in turn has a progressive role in age-related diseases. H2S at physiological levels may function as an antioxidant to protect the cells and tissues from oxidative stress by scavenging ROS, reducing the aggregation of lipid peroxidation products, and increasing the generation of intracellular antioxidants.