Hydrogen sulfide and renal ischemia.

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), an endogenously produced gasotransmitter, which is soluble in both water and lipids, is now known for its protective effects against various disease models and cellular injuries. A wide range of studies have been published on the protective effects of H(2)S against ischemia-reperfusion injuries, with findings focusing mainly on the heart and liver. It was not until recently that the effect of H(2)S on kidneys gained the attention and interest of researchers, and studies have begun to unveil the role of H(2)S under physiological conditions, as well as during pathological renal diseases. This article will provide a summary of current research findings on the relationship between H(2)S and the kidneys, based on existing literature, with prime emphasis on renal ischemia-reperfusion injuries. In this article, a brief discussion will be dedicated to providing insight of the currently known signaling mechanisms underlying the protective effects of H(2)S in the kidneys.