Hydrogen sulfide and renal ischemia

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), an endogenously produced gasotransmitter, which is soluble in both water and lipids, is now known for its protective effects against various disease models and cellular injuries. A wide range of studies have been published on the protective effects of H₂S against ischemia–reperfusion injuries, with findings focusing mainly on the heart and liver. It was not until recently that the effect of H₂S on kidneys gained the attention and interest of researchers, and studies have begun to unveil the role of H₂S under physiological conditions, as well as during pathological renal diseases. This article will provide a summary of current research findings on the relationship between H₂S and the kidneys, based on existing literature, with prime emphasis on renal ischemia–reperfusion injuries. In this article, a brief discussion will be dedicated to providing insight of the currently known signaling mechanisms underlying the protective effects of H₂S in the kidneys.

Keywords::

• H₂S
• hydrogen sulfide
• ischemia–reperfusion
• kidney
• renal hypertension
• renovascular

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported by National Kidney Foundation (NKFRC/2009/01/10) and National Medical Research Council (NMRC/1219/2009) research grants. 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.