[Hydrogen sulfide and its effect on pancreatic beta-cells].

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a potentially toxic gas, is also an important signaling molecule in various mammalian cells and tissues. H2S is involved in the neuroprotection, neuromodulation, cardioprotection, vasodilatation and the regulation of inflammatory response. In pancreatic beta-cells, H2S can be produced by cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) or cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE). The produced H2S inhibits insulin release and regulates beta-cell survival. We demonstrated that glucose stimulation increase CSE expression in mouse pancreatic islets. We also indicated that H2S protects beta-cells that are chronically exposed to high glucose. Loss of beta-cell mass is important in the pathogenesis and/or progression of diabetes mellitus; therefore, molecular analyses of the mechanisms of H2S production and its protective effects on beta-cells may lead to new insights into diabetes mellitus.