Hydrogen Sulfide in Diabetic Complications: Focus on Molecular Mechanisms

Background: A growing number of studies have indicated that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) affects the development of diabetes and its complications, but the specific mechanism is not completely clear. Objective: To summarize the effects and recent molecular mechanisms of H2S in various diabetic complications. Methods: Articles regarding the role of H2S channels in diabetic complications and relevant mechanisms were selected. Relevant articles published from 2006 to present were selected from PubMed. The search terms were “hydrogen sulfide” and “diabetes”. Important references from selected articles were also retrieved. Results: The reduction of endogenous H2S contribute to diabetic injury and the supply of exogenous H2S protect tissues from diabetic injury through anti-apoptosis, anti-fibrosis, inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation in different complications, including cardiomyopathy, vascular injury, retinopathy, nephropathy, and encephalopathy. Conclusion: H2S may play an important role in diabetic complications and may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention of diabetic related diseases.