Therapeutic applications of hydrogen sulfide and novel donors for cerebral ischemic stroke: a narrative review.

Ischemic stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is obstructed and it is associated with numerous complex mechanisms, such as activated apoptosis genes, oxidative stress and reaction of inflammation, which finally result in neurological deficits. Several gases have been proved to have neuroprotective roles, even the classic gases that are thought to be toxic such as hydrogen sulfide (HS). HS is the third identified endogenous gas signaling molecule following carbon monoxide and nitric oxide. HS plays a significant role in stroke. Inhalation of HS can attenuate cerebral infarct volume and promote neurological function in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion to reduce ischemic stroke-induced injury in vivo and in vitro as a result. Therefore, HS can be clinically used to reduce ischemic stroke-induced injury. This review introduces the toxic mechanisms and effects of HS on cerebral ischemic stroke.