Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), generally known as a new gas signal molecule after nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, has been found as an important endogenous gasotransmitter in the last few decades, and it plays a significant role in the cardiovascular system both pathologically and physiologically. In recent years, there is growing evidence that H 2 S provides myocardial protection against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI), which resulted in an ongoing focus on the possible mechanisms of action accounting for the H 2 S cardioprotective effect. At present, lots of mechanisms of action have been verified through in vitro and in vivo models of I/R injury, such as S-sulfhydrated modification, antiapoptosis, effects on microRNA, bidirectional effect on autophagy, antioxidant stress, or interaction with NO and CO. With advances in understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of MIRI and pharmacology studies, the design, the development, and the pharmacological characterization of H 2 S donor drugs have made great important progress. This review summarizes the latest research progress on the role of H 2 S in MIRI, systematically explains the molecular mechanism of H 2 S affecting MIRI, and provides a new idea for the formulation of a myocardial protection strategy in the future.