Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has emerged as a gaseous signalling molecule with crucial implications for cardiovascular health. H₂S is involved in many biological functions, including interactions with nitric oxide, activation of molecular signalling cascades, post-translational modifications and redox regulation. Various preclinical and clinical studies have shown that H₂S and its synthesizing enzymes — cystathionine γ-lyase, cystathionine β-synthase and 3-mercaptosulfotransferase — can protect against cardiovascular pathologies, including arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction and ischaemia–reperfusion injury. The bioavailability of H₂S and its metabolites, such as hydropersulfides and polysulfides, is substantially reduced in cardiovascular disease and has been associated with single-nucleotide polymorphisms in H₂S synthesis enzymes. In this Review, we highlight the role of H₂S, its synthesizing enzymes and metabolites, their roles in the cardiovascular system, and their involvement in cardiovascular disease and associated pathologies. We also discuss the latest clinical findings from the field and outline areas for future study.

硫化氢 (H ₂ S) 已成为一种气体信号分子，对心血管健康具有重要影响。 H ₂ S 参与许多生物功能，包括与一氧化氮的相互作用、分子信号级联的激活、翻译后修饰和氧化还原调节。各种临床前和临床研究表明，H ₂ S 及其合成酶（胱硫醚 γ-裂解酶、胱硫醚 β-合酶和 3-巯基磺基转移酶）可以预防心血管疾病，包括心律失常、动脉粥样硬化、心力衰竭、心肌梗塞和缺血再灌注受伤。 H ₂ S 及其代谢物（例如氢过硫化物和多硫化物）的生物利用度在心血管疾病中显着降低，并且与 H ₂ S 合成酶的单核苷酸多态性有关。在这篇综述中，我们重点介绍了 H ₂ S 的作用、其合成酶和代谢物、它们在心血管系统中的作用以及它们与心血管疾病和相关病理的关系。我们还讨论了该领域的最新临床发现并概述了未来研究的领域。