Hydrogen Sulfide Publisher



Abdollahi M^{1, 2} ; Hosseini A³
Source: Encyclopedia of Toxicology# Fourth Edition: Volume 1-9 Published:2023

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable gas with a characteristic odor of rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulfide is one of the principal compounds involved in the natural cycle of sulfur in the environment and it is often present in volcanic gases. It is also produced by bacterial processes during the decay of both animal and plant protein or via the direct reduction of sulfate. Hydrogen sulfide is used as a reagent and an intermediate in the preparation of other reduced sulfur compounds. It is the second most common cause of fatal gas inhalation exposures in the workplace after carbon monoxide. Toxicity of hydrogen sulfide is most likely related to inhibition of metal-containing enzymes such as cytochrome oxidase and carbonic anhydrase. Therefore, hydrogen sulfide affects cellular energy production and respiration. CNS and lung toxicity are considered as the most serious and most common adverse effects of hydrogen sulfide in human. Hydrosulfide can be produced endogenously, particularly in mammalian cells, through an enzymatic pathway and in a smaller part via a nonenzymatic pathway. Different molecular targets, such as different ion channels and signaling proteins, mediate physiological functions of hydrogen sulfide. Alternations of hydrosulfide metabolism lead to an array of pathological disturbances in the form of hypertension, diabetes, cirrhosis, atherosclerosis, heart failure, inflammation, sepsis, erectile dysfunction, asthma, and neurodegenerative disease. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.