Mechanism of hydrogen sulfide delaying renal fibrosis: research progress

As an endogenous gasotransmitter, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is abundantly expressed in the kidney and plays an important regulatory role under different physiological and pathological conditions. In renal fibrosis, the level of H2S is significantly decreased, while supplement with exogenous H2S mitigates the severity of fibrosis. Many studies reveal that H2S plays a protective role in the development of renal fibrosis, and its mechanism includes anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, and inhibition of fibroblast activation.