Hydrogen sulfide in the endocrine and reproductive systems

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is now considered a member of a group of signaling molecules termed ‘gasotransmitters’. H₂S has been shown to be generated in the endocrine and reproductive organs and elicits various actions. H₂S modulates insulin secretion in pancreatic islets. Adipose tissues have the ability to produce H₂S, which regulates the local insulin sensitivity and vascular responsiveness. H₂S also acts on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and is involved in stress responses. The effects of H₂S on male and female reproductive function have also attracted great interest for their potential therapeutic implications in reproductive disorders. Alterations of H₂S biosynthesis are associated with various endocrine disorders, and hormones can be important factors in the regulation of H₂S production. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms for H₂S synthesis pathways may help develop new therapeutic strategies.

Keywords::

• adipose tissue
• endocrine
• hormone
• hydrogen sulfide
• hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis
• pancreatic islets
• reproduction
• stress

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China No. 30670815, No. 30770846 and No. 30971090, and the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipals (09XD1405600). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.