Diet as a source of hydrogen sulfide and its effects on health and disease

Abstract

Initially known for its deleterious health effects, hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) has recently been recognized as a biologically important gas carrier, like nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. H2 S is produced endogenously in mammalian cells by enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways. When it is produced by the enzymatic pathway, its synthesis is carried out from the amino acid L-cysteine through the transsulfuration pathway. It can also be produced endogenously from exogenous compounds that function as H2 S donors as, for example, the naturally occurring organic donors found in some plants. Currently, the role of H2 S is well known as brain and cardiac protector, and its research as a therapeutic adjuvant in metabolic diseases such as obesity and type-2 diabetes is becoming increasingly important. The objective of this review is to examine how the contribution of donors and precursors of hydrogen sulfide by the diet impacts health and disease.