Biologic Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide and Its Role in Traumatic Brain Injury

Ever since endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was found in mammals in 1989, accumulated evidence has demonstrated that H2S functions as a novel neurological gasotransmitter in brain tissues and may play a key role in traumatic brain injury. It has been proved that H2S has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptosis function in the neuron system and functions as a neuroprotective factor against secondary brain injury. In addition, H2S has other biologic effects such as regulating the intracellular concentration of Ca2+, facilitating hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), and activating ATP-sensitive K channels. Due to the toxic nature of H2S when exceeding the physiological dose in the human body, only a small amount of H2S-related therapies was applied to clinical treatment. Therefore, it has huge therapeutic potential and has great hope for recovering patients with traumatic brain injury.