The Role of Perivascular Adipose Tissue-Derived Hydrogen Sulfide in the Control of Vascular Homeostasis

Significance: Emerging evidence suggests that perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has a relevant role in the control of vascular tone in physiology and pathology. Healthy PVAT has anticontractile, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative actions. Accumulating data from both human and experimental animal models indicate that PVAT dysfunction is conceivably coupled to cardiovascular diseases, and it is associated with vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, and arterial remodeling. Therefore, “healthy” PVAT may constitute a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Recent Advances: Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) has been recognized as a vascular anti-contractile factor released from PVAT. The enzymes deputed to H 2 S biosynthesis are variously expressed in PVAT and strictly dependent on the vascular bed and species. Metabolic and cardiovascular diseases can alter the morphological and secretory characteristics of PVAT, influencing also the H 2 S signaling. Here, we discuss the role of PVAT-derived H 2 S in healthy conditions and its relevance in alterations occurring in vascular disorders. Critical Issues: We discuss how a better understanding may help in the prevention of vascular dysfunction related to alteration in PVAT-released H 2 S as well as the importance of the interplay between PVAT and H 2 S. Future Directions: We propose future directions to evaluate the contribution of each enzyme involved in H 2 S biosynthesis and their alteration/switch occurring in vascular disorders and the remaining challenges in investigating the role of H 2 S. Antioxid. Redox Signal . 37, 84–97.