Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) releasing agents: chemistry and biological applications

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a newly recognized signaling molecule with very potent cytoprotective actions. The fields of H₂S physiology and pharmacology have been rapidly growing in recent years, but a number of fundamental issues must be addressed to advance our understanding of the biology and clinical potential of H₂S in the future. Hydrogen sulfide releasing agents (also known as H₂S donors) have been widely used in these fields. These compounds are not only useful research tools, but also potential therapeutic agents. It is therefore important to study the chemistry and pharmacology of exogenous H₂S and to be aware of the limitations associated with the choice of donors used to generate H₂S in vitro and in vivo. In this review we summarized the developments and limitations of currently available donors including H₂S gas, sulfide salts, garlic-derived sulfur compounds, Lawesson's reagent/analogs, 1,2-dithiole-3-thiones, thiol-activated donors, photo-caged donors, and thioamino acids. Some biological applications of these donors were also discussed.