Mini-review: diabetic renal complications, a potential stinky remedy.

Chronic kidney disease is associated with vasculitis and is also an independent risk factor for peripheral vascular and coronary artery disease in diabetic patients. Despite optimal management, a significant number of patients progress toward end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a suggestion that the disease mechanism is far from clear. A reduction in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been suggested to play a vital role in diabetic vascular complications including diabetic nephropathy (DN). This mini-review highlights the recent findings on the role of H2S in mitigating abnormal extracellular matrix metabolism in DN. A discussion on the development of the newer slow-releasing H2S compounds and its therapeutic potential is also included.